What degree thermostat are most of you guys running?...Id like to know what and where you got them from...Im thinkin about dropping a few degrees and would like to know if there are any known problems to doing this with the Gen 2 lightnings...

thanks

 

I used to run a 160° thermostat. I lost it while my engine was down and now have a stant 175°. I never had a problem with either. 15K miles on both of those.

 

I've been running a 160 Hypertech for 3 years and about 35,000 miles. Never a problem.

Autotap says it runs at 176 - 177 degrees.

 

Yep my Stant 170 was like 6 bucks at Autozone.

 

I have a Hypertech one wanting to go on, hoepfully my truck runs cooler in the Norcal heat!

 

Is there any power gains froma lower Theremostat? Would this require a reburn on my chip?

 

I dont see why we would need a re-burn for something that simple....but someone correct me if Im wrong...

 

No reburn.

I think High Roller dynoed some gain with the 170 and more with the 160. It's not much but every few hp helps. I think it helps fight off detonation which is the big reason I use one.

 

would you guys go 170 or 160 on a year round driven truck?

 

Well, I would say a 160 Hypertech. For sure Alabama's mild Winters will not necessiate you going with a 170 to get your cab warm enough in the Winter. I live in NY and it's pretty cold and I have always run a lower # TSTATwithout problem in my trucks. In regard to the 160 I have heard/read here that the L will build more power (proven in dyno testing) with the Hypertech 160 then with a higher number like a 170 or stock TSTAT. By the way, TSTAT change is very easy. You could always go back to a higher # TSTAT if you had a problem and only be out the price of the TSTAT which really is minimal. You will have zero problem with the 160 though as there have been many here running the and reporting no problems whatsoever. Oh, you can heave Pep Boys or Autozone get you the Hypertech TSTAT for under $20.

 

Support good vendors, buy your Hypertech 160 from Sal @ PSP.

 

I agree with buying from a supporting vendor BUT for example Sal gets $22 plus shipping which is a few $ and you have to wait for it. You can get the same TSTAT locally (no shipping) and pay $17.00 or less. That is a big difference in price.... 8-(

 

No, no reburn necessary...........

Reasons for say a 160 TSTAT in your L:
Mass Flow Rate of Intake Air
Allows Engine to Cool Down to Lower Temperature than Factory Thermostats
Reduces Engine's Tendency to Detonate
Reduce Temperature of Both the Incoming Air/Fuel Mixture and Combustion Chamber Surface

Promo:
A Hypertech PowerStat low-temp thermostat improves performance in two ways: first by increasing the mass flow rate of intake air and second by reducing the engine's tendency to detonate.

From the laws of physics, cooler air is denser than warmer air. Since horsepower increases as the amount of air and fuel burned increases, cooler air (with more air molecules per cubic inch) makes more power. The PowerStat allows the engine to cool down to a lower temperature than the factory thermostat to make more power. At the drags, water can be sprayed on the radiator between races to drop the temperature and improve performance, but the PowerStat ensures that you leave the line at the same temperature each run to give consistent maximum performance for bracket racing.

Detonation, usually producing audible pinging or even knocking sounds, refers to the spontaneous explosion of the unburned air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Detonation abruptly and violently ends the normal combustion process, reduces power, and can severely damage the engine. A PowerStat reduces the temperature of both the incoming air/fuel mixture and the surfaces of the combustion chamber, greatly reducing the tendency to detonate, and allows the engine to safely develop more horsepower

 

Sal has competitive prices and you will get the right one. I bought mine in town and got lucky that it fit right back 3 years ago before tuners started stocking them.

It's part# 1011 but a couple of times guys have bought that part# and it didn't fit right (Bob in Texas Halo club was one). 99% of the time you get the right one but I think Sal said he checks every one to make sure.

 

ive gone to Pepboys, R&S, Autozone, AutoStruss, & NAPA... and none of them have the 160* or 170* Thermostats. the only place around me that i can think of JDM. do i need to ask for a thermostat for another car? cause i say 2000 ford lightning w/ a 5.4 engine. and they all said they dont have it?!