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I was looking to purchase a 160 degree stat. My car is stictly summer. I was told 180 would be better and that the 160 wouldnt let my car good and keep it almost on a constant choke/? I do i a hpp3 to program it in but i was just wondering the pros and cons on them and which is my better choice. thanks

 
Rep Power: 1069

the 160 stat tricks the computer into dumping more gas, wearing the engine much faster, and has not been proven to add any hp (most tests I've seen show it lowers it overall) the internal combustion engine is most efficient (aka makes the most power with least fuel) at around 190* that's what the pro racers try for at the strip(which are fuel injected) and nascar cars run a little over 200* if the cooler temps were better don't you think they would use it given tehy spend a few million dollars a year on testing?

 
Rep Power: 829

If you have a HPP3, then program you fans to come on sooner. If your fans are programed to come on lower, then your car will stay cooler.

Have your first fan set to come on at 185 and your second to come on at 195-200. It should be enough to keep your engine cool enough.

My car will sit in stop and go on a 95* day at never go above 195*. Also- don't trust your temp gauge completely. Mine is at least 10* off.

 
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so should i just leave factory in or go with 180

 
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i think 180 is the way too goo 2

 
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Here in AZ where it gets 115*-125* on a regular basis, I consider a 160* T-stat a necessary item.

 
Rep Power: 1069

180 is fine 160 is too cold

 
Rep Power: 829

Ideally 170 is the right temp for a thermostat-but since you can't get one for a typical SBC, you gotta go with what you can get-

I have also heard of people drilling some small holes around the body of the thermo to let some coolant thru before it opens, but I wouldn't personally do it.

Something else that hasn't been mentioned is that just putting in a 160 thermo without reprogramming the computer will do nothing except take your car longer to get to temperture. Once the thermostat is open its up to airflow to keep the motor cool. So unless you are going highway speeds the car is going to go right up to 210-220 anyway since thats what the fans are programed for.

Save the hassle with thermo and just reprogram the computer..