Drilled 180 T-Stat
#1
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Location: Grand Haven, Michigan
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Drilled 180 T-Stat
Just tossed one on the bonnie. It seems to be working great. I drilled two 1/16" holes on either side of the thermostat. The whole process only took about 15-20 minutes (new at this). Took it out to get some gas, $2.23 a gallon , and opened it up on the highway. I could slightly feel a little bit more of a pick-up, and it ran 15 degrees cooler. A nice cheap mod.
#6
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I drilled my 180 as well and here in northern Illinois the car doesn't heat up until I'm about halfway to work, unless I give it some gas from a stop. All a matter of creature comforts for the cold winter ahead. I personally sacrifice my body for my car'* performance.
#7
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We have drilled T-stats in all the cars in my sig, and all except for the Bonne have 160'*...the SSEi got a 180 (done at the time to keep the computer happy). None of them take very long to warm up in the winter, yes longer than with the stock thermostat, but not much. I wouldn't waste my time taking switching it back to the stock one...its not worth it IMO. Its nice to have that extra cooling as well anyways.
Shawn
Shawn
#8
There are also advantages with a drilled t-stat to keep your engine safe in the winter.
http://www.zzperformance.com/zzp/inf...stat_holes.htm
http://www.zzperformance.com/zzp/inf...stat_holes.htm
#9
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I plan on leaving my drilled 4x1/16" t-stat in for the winter. I might ad a 10"x10" piece of cardboard to the front of the radiator, but it'* a bit easier and cheaper than swapping the 195 back in. A couple weeks ago when I woke up to mid 20'* I started the car and went back in the house for about 8-10 minutes and when I came back out it was showing about 150 on the guage. About 3 miles later it was up to 180 and stayed there with an occasional drop down to about 170. In town I still see 185-190 even with 30'ish air temps.
#10
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I'm just gonna leave it in, the only driving i do in the winter would be to school (which i live 1/4 mile from) and a job (which i need to get). So im not too worried about it.