Any benefit to using a lower temp thermostat?

Chiketkd · #1 04-27-2005, 10:22 PM

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

Beav · #2 04-27-2005, 11:13 PM

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.

Speedklix · #3 04-27-2005, 11:33 PM

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.

thundering02 · #4 04-28-2005, 08:41 AM

it's not worth much 5% power for 10% fuel lost generally

Earthworm · #5 04-28-2005, 10:53 AM

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.

Chiketkd · #6 04-28-2005, 06:38 PM

Here are the results one SVT Lightning tuner had when they played around with different thermostats:

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

-Chike