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  #1  
Old 04-27-2005, 10:22 PM
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Chiketkd Chiketkd is offline
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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
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  #2  
Old 04-27-2005, 11:13 PM
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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.
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Old 04-27-2005, 11:33 PM
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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.
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  #4  
Old 04-28-2005, 08:41 AM
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it's not worth much 5% power for 10% fuel lost generally
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Old 04-28-2005, 10:53 AM
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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.
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Old 04-28-2005, 06:38 PM
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Here are the results one SVT Lightning tuner had when they played around with different thermostats:

http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...thermostat.htm

-Chike
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  #7  
Old 04-28-2005, 07:04 PM
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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.
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  #8  
Old 04-29-2005, 11:17 PM
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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.
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  #9  
Old 04-29-2005, 11:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 914helo
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.
If the factory SVX thermostat is 78 celcius (172 F) that would be pretty ideal. I just wanted to toss an idea around that members on other boards are doing...

-Chike
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  #10  
Old 05-02-2005, 01:53 PM
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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
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Old 05-02-2005, 03:05 PM
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From the Factory Service Manual;

Thermostat starts to open 76-80C (169-176F)
Thermostat fully opens 91C (196F)
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  #12  
Old 05-02-2005, 07:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by svxfiles
Thermostat starts to open 76-80C (169-176F)
Thermostat fully opens 91C (196F)
Cool. Thanks Tom!

-Chike
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