I've heard that a truck equipped with a performance computer chip should also have a low temperature themostat? Something about detonation. Any truth to this? Mike? Opinions? My truck is a '99, 4.2/5-speed, Airaid, (Superchip, Gibson single cat back system ordered and on the way).

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Chris Robbins

99 F-150 XL, 60/40 seat with armrest/console, two-tone white over silver, 4.2L, 5 spd, 3.55, Airaid, superchip.


87 Samurai(see my web site)

 

Hi Chris,

The Superchip does not require you to change your factory thermostat, nor do we advise you to change the temperature of that thermostat, for a number of reasons. The first one is to prevent the increased build-up of combustion chamber deposits over prolonged periods of time, as these cooler thermostats keep the cylinder head temperature colder than normal; thus, you don't retain the heat you should in the combustion process, and have more deposits in the combustion chamber and valves over time as miles accumulate.

There are some performance chips that *do* require this unfortunately, but it's a bad idea on the street. Most internal combustion engines are going to make their peak horsepower at about 190 degrees of coolant temperature, to say nothing about heater operation in the winter.

The factory thermostat is 192-195 degrees, and these work very well.

If you ever watch NASCAR Winston Cup qualifying, you always hear the drivers talk about needing to get enough heat into the motor for more power for the quickest possible qualifying time, as they only have a couple of laps to make their qualifying run, this is the same principle. They talk about getting enough heat into the oil as well as the coolant, as certain temperatures are required to make maximum power. The more heat you can keep in the combustion process without going into detonation, the more power you make, as a general rule.

Chipmakers that require these abnormally cold thermostats are doing this for one reason: at attempt to keep detonation at bay by keeping the cylinder head temperatures lower than normal when they dump in spark advance at WOT (wide-open throttle).

So we don't advise using them on the street, and the Superchip does not require their use either.

Please feel free to give us a shout if you'd like to go over this in more detail!

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System

 

Thanks Mike T.!

Just the answer I was hoping to hear! My friend put the other chip in his Ford with their low temperature 'stat. The thermostat failed, truck overheated. It could have caused serious damage but luckily he noticed his temp gauge in time and shut it off.

Glad I bought a Superchip!

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Chris Robbins

99 F-150 XL, 60/40 seat with armrest/console, two-tone white over silver, 4.2L, 5 spd, 3.55, Airaid, superchip.


87 Samurai(see my web site)

 

Hey Chris,

Where is the website you mention in your signature?

Tom in Tacoma

 

Oops! Sorry Tom! Guess I should add that to my signature, huh?
http://www.geocities.com/zuki_chris/

Sorry for the late reply, been at the hospital having our first.... 8lb 15oz baby boy! The prettiest baby in the world!

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Chris Robbins

99 F-150 XL, 60/40 seat with armrest/console, two-tone white over silver, 4.2L, 5 spd, 3.55, Airaid, superchip.


87 Samurai(see my web site)

 

Way to be Proud Papa!!!!

Tom in Tacoma

 

Thanks guys!

Updated signature below:

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Chris Robbins

99 F-150 XL, regular cab/short bed, two-tone white over silver, 60/40 seat with armrest/console, AM/FM cassette, 4.2L, 5 spd, 3.55

Things I've added:
2" receiver, Diamond plate tool chest, tinted windows, 12 disc changer, Airaid, superchip, Gibson single cat-back exhaust

87 Samurai(too much to list, see my web site)
http://www.geocities.com/zuki_chris/

 

Hi Chris,

Congratulations on your baby boy, fantastic!!!

Heck, you might want to put him in your signature line too.

All the best,

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Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System

 

Where have you been wheeling in Kentucky? Have you gotten up to the gorge yet? Cool Zuki!!!

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My 2000 F-150




[This message has been edited by Spargo2 (edited 06-05-2000).]