I just purchased a computer chip for my truck and I heard that I should get a lower temp thermostat to help the performance of my truck is this true? or will it help in any way? Thanks for the help. Jason

 

Not on a Superchip,but some other companies want you to,supposed to stop
the engine from pinging. I had a 160 deg.
thermostat in when I had my Hypertech in,
but took it out when I got a superchip.
Some say it contributes to carbon buildup in the combustion chamber,but I'm no real engine expert,either. Mike will
probably be by anytime now,,,,,,98

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98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
prarie tan/tan int.
K/N gen.II fipk
custom dual exh/gibson rectangle tips/rear exiting.
color matched snuglid
Superchip!!!
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Viper 500HF Security system
On the way/wheels,tires,air dam, etc..etc.......
doin the monochromatic boogie
on the front end.Billet grilles on order
www.my-f150.com
Fender Guitars,ROCK!!!
http://www.bigsandy.net
officialtomwaits.com
reverendhortonheat.com

 

Hi Jason,

If it's a Superchip, then no, you do not need to replace your thermostat, the Superchip is designed to work with your factory thermostat. Many of Hypertech & Jet's chips do require the use of those abnormally cold thermostats, so that may be why you heard that.

Using those abnormally cold thermostats on the street is not a good idea. First, the engine is going to make it's maximum power at a coolant temperature of about 190 degrees, on average, so you're going to lose some peak power. Taking heat out of the combustion process by using a colder thermostat also contributes to increased combustion chamber deposits over time. You will also have the lowest emissions and get your best fuel mileage with coolant temps in the 190-200 degree range as well, and that is why your factory thermostat is set at anywhere from 190-194 degrees, with most of the F-150's being 194.

What those cold thermostats are used for by other chipmakers is to keep the cylinder head temperature abnormally cold, to keep detonation at bay with the increased spark advance that is used, that is one of their techniques. That's a technique that can be OK for a drag-strip only type of vehicle, but not on the street. You want to keep as much heat as possible (without going into detonation!) in the combustion process, so that you convert as much of the gasoline as possible into actual energy, instead of going out the tailpipe unburned.

Installing a colder thermostat than the factory 190-194 degree unit will *not* increase engine power on the street.

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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
First National F-150 Online Rally Event Organizer

[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 11-07-2000).]

 

Mike, Thanks for the help! I will let you know once I install my chip it should be here this week.

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97 f150 4x4 flareside,4.2 V6, K&N,computer chip,keyless entry,remote starter,white gauge faces, straight pipe cat back,with one glass pack, 2 4"stainless tips.,tinted windows