180 thermostat change out
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: kelso, washington
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
180 thermostat change out
Was talking to my local Mr. Goodwrench about changing out stock thermstat to a 180 degree range. He said that this would degrade catalytic converter operation. Any comments?
#6
Senior Member
Posts like a Northstar
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Camden, MI
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
a 180 won't effect cat operation THAT much the only time there is a fueling difference between 195 and 180 is AE/DE since you're pretty much stuck at stoich ratios any other time(PE is gonna shorten cat life anyway). spark is likely the same at 180 compared to 195 too... but you would need to look at the tune itself to be sure.
#7
Senior Member
True Car Nut
I thought the magic number was 170, when the computer stops fuel dumping to keep the engine running, and goes to closed loop. Now, if you dropped the thermostat to a 160, I could see a problem there. The only time the car is going to actually run at 180 is when you are on the highway, with enough air going over the nose to cool it back down. Tuning just lowers the fan turn on temp.
#9
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
Personally, the in-cabin heat difference between 180° and 195° is not something I've noticed. No matter what, I end up roasting alive and cracking the windows. Your sweating may vary.