Is there any real benefit to running a cooler thermostat on these ls engine? I've been googling my butt off this morning trying to find a definite answer but no luck. My G8 has a cooler thermostat and i was thinking about putting a stock one back in. I don't know, I've read a lot of opinions about it and some people are damn sure that it helps but very few facts.

 

i run a 160 stat

 

Theoretically it doesn't make sense to me how running the engine cooler could increase performance UNLESS one assumes that a cooler engine = a cooler intake air charge.

The closer you can get material around the combustion chamber to the actual combustion temperature the less heat from combustion you will lose to those materials = more efficient combustion. So, to me, the theory of a cooler thermostat adding performance only holds true if the engine bay is getting heat soaked thereby increasing IAT's and causing spark knock or the computer to pull timing.

I suppose that doesn't help you much in making your decision so as easy as they are to change, try one then try the other and see what works best for you.

 

It because you can add timing when running a lower temperature, this puts the ignition point back where it should be and also has a cooler engine.

In the winter though a 160 kinda kills your heat.

 

so if I put the stock thermostat back, pull some timing, it still the same. I'm looking to get some gas mileage back in the car. Currently only get about 180 miles to a tank, it should be about 280 to 300.

 

Was it ever tuned for the cooler thermostat? If open loop switch points weren't adjusted then the computer may be messing up your fueling from it running cool.

 

I'm not sure it has, once my hp tuners gets here I'll be able to pull the tune and look. I got the car with all the mods done to it, the modifier said the tune was spot on when he sold the car. Its been thru two owners since then. I wanted a stock car but my wife just had to have this one. Its got a TSP cam (225/230 .610 lift on 113 LSA) and headers, no cats and a yank 3200.


Edit: When I say I will "take a look" I mean Atomic will probably look at it for me.

 

I'm in Texas, so I run a 160 in all my LS junk. I don't run them expecting more power, but a little extra detonation prevention never hurts.

 

Good point, I didnt think of that. After a lack of winter in north Texas, I think summer is gonna be killer.

 

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