I installed a Hypertech 160 degree thermostat back on Dec. 30th.

CornerCarver called and asked me to observe the digital Celsius temp. readings.

Going home yesterday, ambient temp. of 59-60F degrees--the coolant temp read 77C 90% of the time--2,000 cruise rpms--would drop to 75C on closed throttle/downhill run and every once in a while, it would show 78C. This(77C) converts(thanks masterloggie) to 170.6F. Temp. held steady even at idle(traffic light).

Coming to work this am with an ambient temp. of 28-34F degrees--cruising at 2,100-2,200 rpms--coolant temp was 77C-most of the time. After about 15-20 minutes of driving, I turned the heater valve 2/3rds way open--temps stayed the same--77C--would drop to 75C more frequently but never dropped lower.

Now, the question is: Is 170.6F/77C 'hot' enough for efficient engine operation using BR7EF plugs? Hope so.................

Dan

Note: F=1.8xC+32

 

Dan, I am also a little concerned about going to the 160 degree thermostat with the BR7's in my truck. I've already feeling some misfiring in low speed driving.

This situation may get worse with the colder thermostat.

I'm waiting to see when the MSD Stacker comes available. thet might help the detonation/cold plug situation were are having with the oxygenated gas here.

I've been also checking into an adjustable fuel reg. or the truck.

 

If I have stock plugs, and have this problem of detonation would it be a good idea to get this thermostat? And I know in about a month or so I will be changing the stock plugs to the Denso Iridium ones, so will they have a negative effect on those plugs? I don't want detonation, but I also don't want my spark plugs misfiring.....

 

I haven't noticed any misfiring--the 160 has been in now 2 1/2 weeks and I drive it every day to work and back.

D/k about your misfiring Jay but it might be a combo of the thermostat and your .poor. Ca. gas?

I think the Densos are a step 'hotter' than the BR7s, so you probably would be ok. I'll get some 1/4 mile testing a week from Sat.

Dan

 

I've had the 160 degree thermo for about a month now, Run the Denso plugs. NO problems with detonation.

Hey Jay, I would run the TR6's or the Denso's with the 160 thermo. I think the TR7 would be to rich. I heard the TR7's work well in NOS trucks.

 

Great to know DL, Mine is coming soon, man our trucks are really close in mods!!

 

Hey ICULOKN,

The thermo is great for added power and a little protection against detonation.

Maybe on your way to FL you can stop by and we'll go to the strip.

At my local track, they are grading and re-surfacing the first 1/8 of a mile. Supposed to be opening back up in a couple weeks. Can't wait to try my new Mod's.

 

DL, the BR7EF's did run great at the track. I'm running them on the street now, and will keep you guys posted on my progress.
I'm still running the stock theromstat, so they may work.

The Denso's are so expensive. I normally don't run plugs too long before changing. 100 bucks is a lot for plugs.

I know a lot of guys here don't like Autolite plugs, but they offer a wide selection of heat ranges. I'm considering getting a colder set with a projected nose, and doing a "J" gap on them. It's an old racers trick. It might work, it might not.

My TR-6's were showing signs of some serious erosion. All the sharp edges were gone, and you could see small deposits of electode on the center insulator. Both center and ground electrode showed signs of some significant heat. We'll see. I'm going to hook up my Scanner, and see if I have any misfire codes yet.

 

Jay Lincoln, How long were you Tr-6s in for?

 

I ran them 14k miles. Considering all the driving I do, they were still running well.

I was having a minor detonation problem, and hoped the BR7EF would help. They did help a little, but they do misfire slightly.

 

I put a 160 thermostat in mine the other day. Took it to the track last night with that and the removal of my spare being the only change since last weeks runs. The air temps at the track last night were 10-15 degrees cooler than last week. I ran an average of .07 seconds slower and .17 mph slower than last week. From all my past visits at the track, ever 10 drop in ambient air temp results in a .1 second ET drop. So looks like I ran a corrected .17 second slower time with the 160 thermostat. I guess I don't need to tell you guys what I'm gonna be yanking out after I write this post.

 

i thought most of the tuners said the 160 would actually slow you down, and to leave the stocker in, unless this is a new "flip", like the pulleys. i know JL explained it , in a post long ago. thanks for the update Peter

 

You know I have been running my TR6's with a .035 gap with the 4lb lower and 1.5 pound upper for about two weeks now and I have had no problems with mine. No misfires and no detonation etiher.

If you guys are looking for a bolt on fuel pressure regulator, I know where to get them. I just traded me old beat up blower for one of those about 2 weeks ago. It should be getting here today or friday hopefully. I'll take some pics and let you guys know how it works out for me. Oh yeah I got it from Paul at www.SCperformance.com. tell him I sent you so I can get some deals, HAHAHAHAHA.

I really need to get a EGT now! Do you guys know where I can get a good price on one?

 

I have a friend that Dynoed his truck with the stock thermo, 170 and 160. The 160 outperformed the other thermostats on the Dyno by quite a bit. The 160 made around 4 hp more and 8 ft lbs of torque than the other two. It also lowers the Air/Fuel ratio which helps protect your engine from detonation.

I think the tuners are having second thoughts about the 160 Thermo's.

 

DL,

Do you mean 2nd thoughts in a good or bad way? Thinking they should or shuold not use them?