I'm about to install a 160 degree stat and was wondering if I should replace the fan first because the factory operating temp is 187 which means the belt driven fan won't cut on until ~200. Wouldn't that be defeating the purpose? I'm trying to be sure I don't screw up something by making a few free mods and what better place to find out than here!

 

As long as you are moving, a 160 thermo will keep you at about 175. If you sit in traffic in the summer, then it might get close to 200. 99 percent of the time it will be at 175.

 

I have a 160 with no problems, the needle on the temp gauge sits on the 1/4 mark and the heater works fine.

 

Dude,
Where in South Carolina are you at? I'm from Myrtle Beach. Cool to see another SC guy on here.

Josh Hucks

 

I'm from West Columbia/Lexington. Half the neighborhood is WC and the other half Lex.