SVX Network Forums Live Chat! SVX or Subaru Links Old Lockers Photo Post How-To Documents Message Archive SVX Shop Search |
IRC users: |
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Any benefit to using a lower temp thermostat?
A couple years ago, when I was shopping for a '00 SVT Lightning I also looked at '01 Corvette Z06's and I joined forums for both vehicles. One mod that was popular with members on both boards (f150online.com & z06vette.com) was to switch out the factory thermostat for one with a slightly lower setting...
If memory serves me correctly, the stock Z06 thermostat is set at 180* and people would swap in either a 170* or a 160* unit. Does anyone with a shop manual know what the setting is for the factory SVX thermostat (I heard it is around 190*)? Also, do the thermostats on an Impreza or Legacy have a different setting? Any thoughts on whether this be a useful mod to look into? -Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Yeah, if the engine doesn't warm up fully the ECU fuel map will compensate for the lower temperature. Whether or not it is a significant difference is another story but the rule of thumb is to just stick with the rated 'stat. Most systems won't allow EGR or EVAP functions below specific temperatures and some will throw a code for an engine that doesn't hit the rated temp within a certain time frame.
Chevies tend to run hot (larger radiators to compensate) and some use a lower 'stat as a band-aid cure for underlying problems.
__________________
ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician w/L1. ASE Certified Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician. Certified EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician) |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
I thought the chevy guys only did it with big blocks to try to help keep the engine temp down when they thrash on it. For us, I don't think there would really be any benefit. Our engine doesn't need the headstart to keep the temp under control, and I think it runs best at the factory operating temp.
I don't really know, just assumption.
__________________
-Mike ECUTune2v7 - 4.11 5 Speed - Sprung 6 Puck Clutch - D&S Rotors - SS Brake & Clutch Lines - HKS Panel Filter - HeaderBack Exhaust -80GB Hard Drive - GroupN Engine Mounts - - some other "tricks"
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] In progess: track down mystery noise <-identified, paint the new dash, get better pic Spring plans: Replace Trans - Integrate ECU with the carputer - Suspension - Go back to STI Filter - Paint? Maybe not - Next Oil change: Purolator L30165 Member #995 | My Locker | My New Locker Catch you next at: ? Auto-X ? |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
it's not worth much 5% power for 10% fuel lost generally
__________________
86 GMC Jimmy Blue and Silver- R.I.P. 87 Integra RS ~228k miles R.I.P. 92 SVX LS-L Perly ~186k R.I.P. 89 240sx se red ~165k miles Gone and unknown 89 240sx se Black~185k R.I.P. 85 Toyota pickup ~205k R.I.P. 85 BMW 325e ~ Gone and unknown 85 Ford Mustang getting engine swap now! 05 Colorado ~108k Daily Driver |
#5
|
||||
|
||||
That won't actually lower the engine temperature, it just changes how soon the thermostat opens. The fans will still turn on at the same temperature.
__________________
David B. SVXipedia @ SVX-IW.COM -- SVX Information Warehouse 2.0 coming...eventually! Ebony 1992 SVX LS-L 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro 187k miles RIP (Rust In Pieces) 1993 SVX 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro Polyurethane bushings still available! |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Here are the results one SVT Lightning tuner had when they played around with different thermostats:
http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...thermostat.htm -Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Heat is power.
The internal combustion engine is a heat engine. The higher the heat in the combustion chamber, the higher the expansion, the higher the power. Making the head run cooler will cost power.
Harvey.
__________________
One Arm Bloke. Tell it like it is! 95 Lsi. Bordeaux Pearl, Aust. RHD.149,000Kls Subaru BBS wheels. 97 Liberty GX Auto sedan. 320,000Kls. 04 Liberty 30R Auto Premium. 92.000kls. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
I just pulled my old thermostat out tonight and it has 78 C stamped on it. In Fahrenheit that's 172.4. I think I would leave the factory setting on this. It seems to work fine.
__________________
Kent |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
-Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
i remember asking the guy for a 180* stat for my car when diagnosing the headgasket, blew my mind when he said it was already 172
Tom |
#11
|
||||
|
||||
From the Factory Service Manual;
Thermostat starts to open 76-80C (169-176F)
Thermostat fully opens 91C (196F)
__________________
www.svxfiles.com The first SuperCharged SVX, the first 4.44 gears, the first equal length headers, the first phenolic spacers, the first Class Glass fiberglass hood, the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway Fiberglass Hood thread My locker 4.44 Swap link |
#12
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
-Chike
__________________
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato 2013 Cosmic Blue 5spd Evo X GSR 2006 Galaxy Gray 6MT RX-8 (sold) 2006 Steel Gray WRX TR (sold) 1996 Brilliant Red SVX L (sold) |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|