I have a 94 SSE. I put a 180 stat in this winter. When I run the car with the ECON turned on for the air the car runs between 210-220. When I run the car with the AUTO turned on the car runs at normal operating temperatures.

Can anyone explain this to me?

I don't like using auto all the time becuase it uses the compressor and eats more gas.



Also, I have a performance intake installed. I've noticed the chrome pipe that runs from the K&N airfilter to the TB gets really hot.

Is this normal?

I may just be shooting in the dark, as I don't have an ECON setting and don't know exactly what happens when it'* engaged, but if the compressor'* off in ECON mode, it may well be that the fan that cools the A/C condenser coils is off too; but since that fan also blows on half of the radiator, your coolant temperature goes up. In normal A/C mode, that fan'* on, cooling the condenser *and* the radiator, so coolant temperature goes down.

Just a guess, though.

-b

When the AC compressor is on, and the car is above a certain temp (in the normal range) the PCM commands the fans to come on high speed. Most of us have used that trick to cool down in traffic/drivethru'*, etc.

If you don't like it, run a manual hi-speed fan control switch from the relay. That way you can have hi speed whenever you want without the climate control being in Auto (AC clutch disengaged).

Yes your chorme pipe being hot is normal for being right above the exhaust manifold crossover and the fact that your coolant temp is almost 200 in the throttle body. Get a 160 stat and some fan control and it will cool down some.

Do NOT get a 160 degree thermostat unless you have an aftermarket PCM specifically designed for it, or run at the track every weekend.

Get a 180, but don't expect a huge decrease in operating temps.