Looking to get a tune, and not sure if I should change out the thermo to a lower one.
If I do, which is a better choice, 160* or 180* and why?

BTW-I live in southern PA if that helps...

 

My experience in Phoenix:

A 160* stat will run about like a stock one when you're in traffic at low speeds. When you hit a cruise on the highway it will drop down into the high 170's or low 180's.

A 180* will act the same, except your cruise temps will be in the upper 180's to low 190's.

Stock generally idles around 200-205 and cruise might drop down to 195 or so.

Since you're in a place where it gets cold as **** during the winter, I wouldn't go any colder than a 180. I took my truck to Colorado during the winter one year with a 160* and it dropped the ECTs into the 150's at one point. I personally think that's too cold.

 

Thanks, so I should go with a 160*?

 

I'd go with the 180. thunder550 is right because it does get cold as a witches titty in a brass bra up there. I went with a 160 because I live in mid Flrida where it's still in the upper 80's right now and 90 plus humidity as well. Plus our engines are designed to run a little warm anyways.

 

I recommended a 180* in my first post.

 

OKay, I was thinking the same, which is why I posted my location.

BTW- I used to live in Orlando and had a roommate who was a "Gator" and the other was a 'Nole. I hated living with them from August to January...

 

Yeah, I noticed that, this time. Missed it the first time...???
But thanks again.

 

I'm running the stock thermostat. My temps stay pinned to 192* maybe go as high as 194* if I sit in traffic with that huge 23"x14" heat exchanger in front of my radiator. I have been advised to not go to a cooler t-stat and unless the benefit is worthwhile why bother?

 

Yeah, I'm back to a stock t-stat in my truck as well.

 

OKay. I only have the temp guage to go by and it's always around 210, which may be where it operates best- don't know.

And I'm only asking because it's a question for the toon, so I was just wondering if it was worth it for a stock vehcile (no fi, nitrous) to run a cooler thremo.

Sounds like I should probably stay with what I have then?