I have an 88 4.9L 6, and replaced the 192 degree thermostat with a 180, to get it to run a little cooler in the summer, and get better A/C. Everything seems to be working fine.

Is the 180 going to mess things up? I realize I will not have as much heat in the winter, but I feel better having an older engine run a little cooler.

Thanks
Frank D

 

180° Thermostat should be fine. Like you said, it will just take longer to heat up in the winter. I have a 160° in mine and it works fine. Hope this helps.

 

I've tried a 180 in mine, didn't see much difference. Also ran a 205 for 2 years, found to have better fuel mileage, believe it or not. Engines need heat, but we don't ! I also installed a shutoff valve inline on a heater hose to the core, stopping coolant from heating the passenger side dash for nothing (no a/c). Engine temp slightly warmer, just to say you see it on the gauge. Probably help your a/c work better, too.

 

a 180 is fine for your truck, if you time it you can make more power with it as well but you will loose mpg with it and it does cause a higher level of wear on your engine but it would be slight with the 180. And the guy with the 160 needs to replace it... That is way to cool for your engine and is causing wear...

 

I would stick with stock 192 degree and here is why:

Excerpt from Mike Troyer's web site,

"Gasoline engines make their absolute highest power output and get the best fuel mileage when the engine coolant temperature is in the 210 degree range. We recommend using a 192 degree-rated thermostat (just like your original factory thermostat is rated for). If you are doing any kind racing, or if you need to tow heavy loads frequently in extremely hot weather and want to drop down to a 180 degree thermostat, you can set the turn-on temps accordingly as described in our installation instructions - you have that additionally flexibility already built into this kit (though we recommend using this kit exactly as we describe). Whatever you do, DO NOT use any thermostat rated lower than 180 degrees in these computer-controlled vehicles, or you will not make the best power & fuel mileage, and may even experience driveability symptoms, MIL lights on the dash & loss of heater function in cold weather, etc."

This is from his Efan section. Hope this helps.

Jeff

 

160 is too cold, 180 is a common swap on Mustangs and racers. 192 is best for daily driver.

 

Also I had a hard time trying to find a 180 for my 5.4 2000 f150. Even had the goons at autozone tell me that it would mess up my truck and I needed a 195. Even after I asked for a thermostat for a lightning. (they are 180 stock).