160 deg thermostat a better choice?
03-14-11, 12:21 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
160 deg thermostat a better choice?
I’m wondering if a 160 deg thermostat might be a better choice than the factory 180 deg piece on an engine that’s got a few miles and not to spec in terms of CR and vacuum. I think this because my engine feels strongest shortly after cranking.
Let’s say an engine at cold temp produces a compression that’s ~10% lower than spec and a vacuum that’s ~20% lower than spec and at op-temp there’s further degradation. Will the cooler thermostat result in less metal expansion/deformation and therefore less degradation of the BSFC.
Let’s say an engine at cold temp produces a compression that’s ~10% lower than spec and a vacuum that’s ~20% lower than spec and at op-temp there’s further degradation. Will the cooler thermostat result in less metal expansion/deformation and therefore less degradation of the BSFC.
03-20-11, 03:24 PM
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
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03-21-11, 10:40 AM
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
This is something that obviously needs to (or has been) proven on a dyno.
Last edited by Clubuser; 03-21-11 at 10:52 AM.
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03-26-11, 08:02 PM
#12
Ok, so I picked up a 54mm 160 deg t-stat from a Mustang...The only thing is it's slightly larger than the OEM t-stat, and thus the OEM gasket won't fit into the housing. Did you just RTV the new t-stat when you installed it? 
I used RTV grey...Going to let it set up overnight before starting it.
I used RTV grey...Going to let it set up overnight before starting it.
03-26-11, 09:29 PM
#13
Original Gangster/Rotary!
iTrader: (213)
You guys may want to consider doing some research before blindly installing parts on your cars 
http://www.importtuner.com/tech/impp...wer/index.html
http://www.importtuner.com/tech/impp...wer/index.html
03-26-11, 10:53 PM
#16
Lucky bastard. :P It depends on the day, really. If I'm LUCKY I'll see those temps when I'm cruising (actually, at idle and on level ground I'll see those temps, but if I encounter a hill or run the A/C forget it). Also, keep in mind I've got a Fluidyne rad, 50/50 mix (I know I could run more water in the summer), and my fans coming on @ 180.
See, the major problem is when we get into the hot months and I want to run my A/C. Being that the condenser is immediately in front of the IC, the air is significantly hotter passing through the radiator if I'm running the A/C. The scary part is that the temps will climb and climb and climb if I'm running the A/C. I've never let it get over 105, but I do believe they'd climb steadily if I let them...
The way I figure it, if I get a jump start on cooling with a 160 deg t-stat it won't get as hot.
It's at least worth a shot, right?
See, the major problem is when we get into the hot months and I want to run my A/C. Being that the condenser is immediately in front of the IC, the air is significantly hotter passing through the radiator if I'm running the A/C. The scary part is that the temps will climb and climb and climb if I'm running the A/C. I've never let it get over 105, but I do believe they'd climb steadily if I let them...
The way I figure it, if I get a jump start on cooling with a 160 deg t-stat it won't get as hot.
It's at least worth a shot, right?
03-26-11, 11:32 PM
#17
Original Gangster/Rotary!
iTrader: (213)
A/C? I junked that (along with P/S) back in the summer of 2001 when I lived deep in the heart-a Texas 
I used to show up for formation with my BDUs soaked in sweat, and all my soldiers thought I was nuts
I used to show up for formation with my BDUs soaked in sweat, and all my soldiers thought I was nuts
03-27-11, 08:40 AM
#18
t-stat
Ok, so I picked up a 54mm 160 deg t-stat from a Mustang...The only thing is it's slightly larger than the OEM t-stat, and thus the OEM gasket won't fit into the housing. Did you just RTV the new t-stat when you installed it?
I used RTV grey...Going to let it set up overnight before starting it.
I used RTV grey...Going to let it set up overnight before starting it.
03-27-11, 09:26 AM
#19
LOL....Yeah, A/C is one thing that I won't junk. :P I don't use it much, but it comes in real handy on some of those hotter summer days.
Joey, I don't recall what year I had the guy look up at the parts store, to be honest. I just went with the 54mm 160 deg t-stat as instructed by rx71king. It said 54mm right on it, so I'm sure I got the right one.
Joey, I don't recall what year I had the guy look up at the parts store, to be honest. I just went with the 54mm 160 deg t-stat as instructed by rx71king. It said 54mm right on it, so I'm sure I got the right one.
03-27-11, 01:56 PM
#22
Ok, so I picked up a 54mm 160 deg t-stat from a Mustang...The only thing is it's slightly larger than the OEM t-stat, and thus the OEM gasket won't fit into the housing. Did you just RTV the new t-stat when you installed it?
I used RTV grey...Going to let it set up overnight before starting it.
I used RTV grey...Going to let it set up overnight before starting it.
03-27-11, 07:08 PM
#24
100 degree days are pretty common here in west Texas. I'll be putting in a cooler T-stat at that time. Did we ever find out what temp the factory T-stat actually opens at? That's what I currently have now. Based on what I'm seeing with my engine on the test stand, I think it starts opening at 180 and isn't full open till around 195.
03-27-11, 07:14 PM
#25
Some ppl are claiming it's a 180 degree t-stat from the factory, but the t-stat that was in my car when I first bought it was definitely a 195. Idk if this is true for all FD's, but I know my (possibly original?) t-stat was a 195...There shouldn't be any problem with leaving this 54mm 160 in there, right? It's not leaking, and seems to be working just fine...I did have to make my own gasket, but it wasn't that big a deal.