160* stat + or -?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 2
From: NEVADA
Originally Posted by jpdadeo
That sounds cold for optimal performance. I thought all the big hp# were made around 210°
https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=248827
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi built 54,
We do NOT recommend running that cold a thermostat in any "modern" computer-controlled vehicle.
Your stock T-stat in the F-150 is generally 192 degrees (180 in the factory supercharger Lightning & Harley), and we recommend not going any lower than 180 degrees. We have seen some of the Hypertech 160 units open below 130 degrees over the years BTW, and even at 160, you will generally put a real kink in heater & defroster function in colder weather, etc.
Also, remember that the t-stat only affects the temperature at which it allows the coolant to start circulating between the engine block and the radiator - it is NOT a cure for a vehicle that does not have enough radiator capacity, for example, or to help cool an engine making a LOT more power - that is accomplished by having enough radiator capacity, primarily.
Cooling system capacity is a combination of factors, from radiator size & fluid capacity to water pump design & flow rate and numerous other factors.
Personally, I would be more concerned with things like radiator capacity, doing a coolant bridge on the back of the motor to really cure the inherent issue of coolant circulation thru the cylinder heads, etc., rather than try running such a way-cold t-stat, as that cold a t-stat is really just a band-aid.
I hope that info helps, & please feel free to call us to go over this in more detail, OK?
We do NOT recommend running that cold a thermostat in any "modern" computer-controlled vehicle.
Your stock T-stat in the F-150 is generally 192 degrees (180 in the factory supercharger Lightning & Harley), and we recommend not going any lower than 180 degrees. We have seen some of the Hypertech 160 units open below 130 degrees over the years BTW, and even at 160, you will generally put a real kink in heater & defroster function in colder weather, etc.
Also, remember that the t-stat only affects the temperature at which it allows the coolant to start circulating between the engine block and the radiator - it is NOT a cure for a vehicle that does not have enough radiator capacity, for example, or to help cool an engine making a LOT more power - that is accomplished by having enough radiator capacity, primarily.
Cooling system capacity is a combination of factors, from radiator size & fluid capacity to water pump design & flow rate and numerous other factors.
Personally, I would be more concerned with things like radiator capacity, doing a coolant bridge on the back of the motor to really cure the inherent issue of coolant circulation thru the cylinder heads, etc., rather than try running such a way-cold t-stat, as that cold a t-stat is really just a band-aid.
I hope that info helps, & please feel free to call us to go over this in more detail, OK?