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180* stat (bad idea)

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Old 03-29-2006, 09:28 PM
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Default 180* stat (bad idea)

I'm planning on doing a coolant flush, and stat change (thier due) and I've been hearing that changing the stat from a 195 to a 180 is a good uprade if you plan on performance tuning your car. Recently I went to my mechanic and he said that changing the stat from a 195* to 180* is a bad idea, and that in doing so the cars computer will get messed up. I'd like to hear what everyone has to say about this, because i don't want to start work on my car and possibly throw off the cars coolant system. Is it safe to put in a 180* stat, and what will the gains be in doing so.
Old 03-29-2006, 09:56 PM
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Default Re: 180* stat (bad idea)

Originally Posted by Richard V
I'm planning on doing a coolant flush, and stat change (thier due) and I've been hearing that changing the stat from a 195 to a 180 is a good uprade if you plan on performance tuning your car. Recently I went to my mechanic and he said that changing the stat from a 195* to 180* is a bad idea, and that in doing so the cars computer will get messed up. I'd like to hear what everyone has to say about this, because i don't want to start work on my car and possibly throw off the cars coolant system. Is it safe to put in a 180* stat, and what will the gains be in doing so.
he is wrong.


IT keeps the temperature down which IMO (may not be true but opinion:

- Reduces chance of LIM and UIM gakset failing as higher temps will eat them away quicker
- Better cooling of transmission, if engine is 15 degrees colder trans will also be colder because the engine is sitting on top of it

- to add to that last statement trans fluid runs thru the radiator along with the coolant which is a lower temp which MAY help keep the overall trans temp a few degrees colder.


NEGATIVES:

car does not have a great heater.
Old 03-29-2006, 10:19 PM
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I've never noticed a heat difference in the heater, at least not with an un-drilled 180. I run drilled in the winter in Oregon, and have no problems.

The first change the vast majority of owners here do (regardless of performance mods) is the 180. It'* a MAINTENANCE change for reliablity reasons.

Your mechanic is simply misinformed.
Old 03-29-2006, 10:19 PM
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Dozens and dozens of members have already done it on here without a single incident. The problems start at 160 or cool t-stats (modded cars program around this issue). It really helps with the engine cooling to keep the engine out of the red zone on hot days. I ran one for a couple years without issue.
Old 03-29-2006, 10:31 PM
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ok so no probs resulting from the switch, my next question is where can i find the 180* and what is the part #, everywhere i look the only part available is the 195*
Old 03-29-2006, 10:35 PM
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i have a 180 in mine and i don't see any adverse affects and my heater works almost too well...
Old 03-29-2006, 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by willwren
I've never noticed a heat difference in the heater, at least not with an un-drilled 180. I run drilled in the winter in Oregon, and have no problems.

The first change the vast majority of owners here do (regardless of performance mods) is the 180. It'* a MAINTENANCE change for reliablity reasons.

Your mechanic is simply misinformed.
Not to sound dumb...but does this ring true for all for year'* (meaning, my 2000)?
Old 03-29-2006, 11:12 PM
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Pep Boys has them.

Do what I did. You find the replacement for yours and then find one that looks exactly like it but at 180. That'* what I did. I am back up to a 200 because I am going to AK and I have not had my computer reprogramed.

If you do get a 180, IMO, get the computer flashed. The car see 180 and will burn a little rore fuel trying to get the car at 200. Not a problem. Little more fuel - Little more power
Old 03-29-2006, 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Cheetah
Pep Boys has them.

Do what I did. You find the replacement for yours and then find one that looks exactly like it but at 180. That'* what I did. I am back up to a 200 because I am going to AK and I have not had my computer reprogramed.

If you do get a 180, IMO, get the computer flashed. The car see 180 and will burn a little rore fuel trying to get the car at 200. Not a problem. Little more fuel - Little more power
I don't think it burns more fuel. I just did a 400 mile trip to Chicago and back yesterday and got 31.7 mpg...
It'* just hard to keep the foot off the gas!

*EDIT*

I recently changed mine. Here'* some before/after pics of the temp gauge. Both were taken after being on the highway for over an hour, upper 30'* outside.
195* T-stat

180* T-stat


I'd say it'* a good thing...


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