Is there really any power to be gained my adding a 160* thermo, what are the downsides?

 

I've heard you actually lose Horse Power because the engine isn't running as hot to it's not burning to it's full potential. Not to mention you will be running richer so you lose MPG and your computer would be staying in open loop.

Although Donate run's w/out a T-Stat in his 5.0

 

Thanks for the info, I think I will stay with the stocker

 

Cooler operating temps (which results in cooler oil temp) will also increase engine wear.

 

dbarbee is right. But they did totally remove one in a 427 and the cool coolant going through the intake picked up like 35 hp on a dyno. I wouldn't do it

 

yes he does . with a t-stat, though, my truck always overheats when i tow (using 180 degree and 160 degree t-stats). without the t-stat the truck runs perfect and it stays in good operating temperture, it just takes a little longer to warm it up. it gets hot as hell down here in miami though, i wouldnt remove it if i lived anywhere that has any sort of cold or cool climate.

 

if i was you i would ask mike what he thinks about it i know he has the in's and out's of it

 

beastie,
if the truck isnt overheating or anything, leave the t-stat in there. only reason i pulled mine out was because of my overheating problems, but i felt no power increase whatsoever.

 

I currently run a 160 and have noticed no change in my truck at all, but like donate, I live down here in the south, its over 80deg at night and can get as hot as you can imagine during the day. I wouldn't do it if I lived in a cooler climate.

 

most the ones running a 160 are using a hypertech chip and it advances the timing so far that it is required to keep the motor at a good operating temp . i wouldn't suggest it unless your going to advance your timing alot . again as someone else said . ask mike or chris about it as i am sure they could give you alot better technical reasons .

 

Your engine is designed to run at over 200 degrees. In fact, i believe 205 is it's optimum temp. The factory t-stat should be 192 degrees, which is the temp at which it starts opening. With a good water pump, and a clear radiator, this will keep the average temp right around 200 degrees. Over time, radiators get clogged, and t-stats accuracy becomes "off", and your engine may start to run hot. Going to a lower t-stat, such as a 180, will be a temp. fix, but ultimately, you should find and correct the actual source of your overheating.

The main reason most EFI users install a 160 degree t-stat is to attempt to fool the ECM, thus remaining in open loop longer. In open loop, the ECM richens the mixture, giving what some swear is more power, but it also limits the timing, dilutes the oil, and clogs the cats.

Overall, the only reason you should ever install a lower t-stat is as a temp. fix to an overheating problem, or because an installed ECM chip requires it.

Ultimately, running no t-stat will eventually cause a vehicle to overheat because it doesn't force the fluid to stay in the radiator long enough to release it's heat. This is more of a problem in vehicles with smaller cooling systems, rather than trucks, but still applies to all.

The gains you may see by installing a cooler t-stat are greatly outweighed, IMO, by the negative effects it will have on your engine, including a reduced lifespan, worse gas mileage, and clogged cats.

Take care,
~Chris

 

Thaks for the info, Iknew you would chime in soon.