160 or 180 degree thermostat??

**Sean1998Daytona** · 05-28-2012

i have a 1998 daytona gtp and i was wonderin if i should get a 160 degree or 180 degree thermostat swap? i was told that getting a cooler thermostat will help increase power. is this true? and which one should i get? thanks...

**SnowFlake** · 05-28-2012

They don't technically increase power. It's a touchy subject around here but IMO just get a 180. It'll help to keep things a little cooler and by a little I really mean a little, lol. 160 is too cold though.

**matt5112** · 05-28-2012

180 if you plan on going past a 3.4 pulley or 195 otherwise.

Especially with WI in mind.

**FriboRage** · 05-28-2012

Just stay 195, 180 only makes your car take longer to warm up and 160 can actually cause damage and set codes... I read in Jerry's Tuning Notebook or whatever that cooler thermostats actually accelerate wear on an engine up to 300%.

**matt5112** · 05-28-2012

Originally Posted by FriboRage

Just stay 195, 180 only makes your car take longer to warm up and 160 can actually cause damage and set codes... I read in Jerry's Tuning Notebook or whatever that cooler thermostats actually accelerate wear on an engine up to 300%.

Jerry also doesn't believe in wide band O2 sensors.

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 05-28-2012

The little bit it does cool it (5-10º F), its not even worth it.

Thats my opinion anyway.

**FriboRage** · 05-28-2012

Originally Posted by matt5112

Jerry also doesn't believe in wide band O2 sensors.

Well I dont know, I just read over it and that stuck in my head

**SnowFlake** · 05-28-2012

Originally Posted by FriboRage

Just stay 195, 180 only makes your car take longer to warm up and 160 can actually cause damage and set codes... I read in Jerry's Tuning Notebook or whatever that cooler thermostats actually accelerate wear on an engine up to 300%.

I'm not sure how a 180 could have any effect what so ever on how quickly the car warms up.

**E IN v Y** · 05-28-2012

Someone needs to edit the safely modding your 3800 thread.

**FriboRage** · 05-28-2012

Originally Posted by SnowFlake

I'm not sure how a 180 could have any effect what so ever on how quickly the car warms up.

I figure if it opens sooner, it would stay cooler longer, albeit a small amount?

**matt5112** · 05-28-2012

Originally Posted by SnowFlake

I'm not sure how a 180 could have any effect what so ever on how quickly the car warms up.

It wouldn't at all.

Originally Posted by FriboRage

I figure if it opens sooner, it would stay cooler longer, albeit a small amount?

if you run a 180 your ect's should be in the 180's.

**Sean1998Daytona** · 05-28-2012

ok cool thanks! i just wont even bother with getting a new one

**addzradd** · 05-28-2012

I'd recommend the 180, if you plan on doing any auto-x or really any type of racing it helps keep temperatures constant.

**tod1d** · 05-28-2012

180 if your taking it to the track, otherwise its not a good idea for a DD, I have a 180* sitting on a shelf now because I have changed my mind about using it

**dazedandconfused** · 05-28-2012

I'd like someone to come up with some conclusive evidence that running a 180* tstat isn't good for our cars.

**matt5112** · 05-28-2012

Originally Posted by dazedandconfused

I'd like someone to come up with some conclusive evidence that running a 180* tstat isn't good for our cars.

Prove your case as well then.

**Z34Phoenix** · 05-29-2012

down here in florida i recommend the 180 stat as it keeps engine temps between 176-195 depending on fan settings. maybe back in the day people who ran too much pulley and were lean would throw in a 160* cause if they get their car that cool and keep it there the car will command more fuel... and this would help get a better AF. this is a very bad idea and with the tuners out there and pcms it is not an option at all.

**Sandman** · 05-29-2012

Originally Posted by dazedandconfused

I'd like someone to come up with some conclusive evidence that running a 180* tstat isn't good for our cars.

There is a thing called operating temp where mechanical devices are more efficient at. Why do you think our cars came with a 210* or whatever stat from the factory?

**SnowFlake** · 05-29-2012

Originally Posted by Sandman

There is a thing called operating temp where mechanical devices are more efficient at. Why do you think our cars came with a 210* or whatever stat from the factory?

195* not 210.
Dropping 15 degrees is going to have zero ill effects.