I know a thousand questions have been asked about lower temp stats, but I haven't found what I was looking for. I'm about to go in for a custom tune and am trying to maximize my mileage while getting all the HP/TQ I can. Will the lower temp stat hurt my mileage AFTER the tune or will it be virtually unchanged? I know I have read that it will lower the mpg if not tuned properly. Also, what temp should I go with on a mild LQ4 (cai and catback with plans for no more than a cam and LT's in the near future)? I live in Louisiana so it never gets very cold for long. Thanks for the help and sorry if this is repetative.

Scott

 

Hey Scott, I have a 160 STAT it my truck with a charger runs at 180 and I live in Maryland. My other truck I just sold had a 160 with no E-FANS and it runs at 175 all day even in 100 degree heat. I have not notice any change in mileage EXCEPT for when I fisrt got the tune. The difference in power is amazing. Most tunes require a STAT change so My 2 cents is to go with the 160. This way your not limited with future mods. I was told that each STAT runs usually 10-15 degrees hotter than advertised. Hope I helped answer your question

 

the reasons the stats run 10-15 degrees hotter than advertised is because the thermostas OPENS UP at the stated temperature, letting coolant flow,

therefore the engine reaches a temperature of around 180 give or take, and stays there, thats the idea behind it.

i would also consider the BB mod, ive heard good things from that. i got my tune and didnt change the thermostat, but.... thats a future mod i will do soon. Its decently cheap, and cooler is USUALLY better, though i dont understand how MPG would be lower, when ur generating more power. hmmm, just one of those things i guess.

i love how my truck runs in the cold! as im sure everyone does.

also, i have heard debates on a lower thermostat hurting MPG due to a hotter teperature allowing better gas mileage, thats why gm engineers set it that way, i would love to see data on that issue, with logged mpg, mileage, temperatures, driving conditions ect..... its common sense to me that a warmer engine produces better mpg numbers, but i have heard different, so im stumped on that as well.... any input would be apprecaited!!

ive also learned that the difference between the 160 and the 180 are very slight, im probobaly going to go with the 160, just sound better to me!

jared