160 or 180 degree Thermostat
 

I am trying to find out how many 2000+ owners who have installed a cooler thermostat opted for the 160 degree model vs. the 180 degree model. I installed a 160 degree thermostat in my engine and within 14 days the Service Engine Soon light came on, according to the shop it was a PT1080 GM code : Engine not getting hot enough, or something to that effect.

With the arrival of my scan tool I will be able to diagnose future codes and clear them, so I was contemplating putting the 160 back in, BUT if there are users who have had problems with either I will think twice. I read elsewhere in the forum that our transmissions are cooled by way of the same thermostat and running a cooler one will benefit the transmission...how I don't know...that's just what I read.

Appreciate the input/opinions...if you don't own a 2000+ model please don’t take the poll or respond. If you have an opinion to share as to why not, use the "leave it stock man" option and let me know you're reason.

Thanks in advance for everyone's response/posts!

A 160 is too cool for the 2000+ they dont like them, Switch to the 180 and you'll be fine ther's not mutch diff any way, It will run cool with the 180.

180 with problems
 

Last winter my SES light came on with both fans on high from start up. The code was for engine not reaching normal operating temp,which also caused the fans to run. From Jan to March I have to run a 195 degree to keep it happy. 8)

The SES light doesn't hurt performance, and the only reason it comes on is because GM programs the computer to think there is something wrong with the car if it runs that cold for that long. It doesn't hurt the car at all, it is just programmed that way. If you get the code removed from the computer, the car will run very good that cold. Our GTP has a drilled 160 degree thermostat, and it runs really good, and gets really good gas mileage, and because it doesn't set an SES light with the code removed from the PCM you wouldn't even notice it was running that cool unless you looked at the temperature gauge. But since you aren't worried about getting every little bit out of your car as possible, running a 180 degree thermostat should be just about right.

Just my $.02.

Shawn

Going to go with 180
 

Where should I get one? DomesticPerformance does not have one listed under the Bonneville section....

Ty?

Intense-racing.com. Look under basic engine.