Hey guys...explain how you are drilling your t-stats....I am getting ready to install my new 180 Jet Stat...looking for tips...

Thanks...

SSEiEiO

Drill four 1/16 holes in the rim between the inner valve assembly and the rubber seal. You may want to drill fewer holes or smaller holes if you're in a colder climate than me. It does run cooler, but it also takes longer to heat up.

Just for the record regardless of how you set up your T stat. you will not reach a lower consistent temp if your cooling system is not clean or able to maintain the temp due to other problems. A lower t-stat does not fix a bad or dirty cooling system. So if your system stays low while driving and rises quickly while sitting you are not going to fix that "problem" per say with a new or drilled T-stat. This info is for people who need to flush their cooling system.

Ty

That'* a very good point. By doing this on a slightly corroded or plugged system, you're only putting a bandaid on it. Your radiator core should be spotless, and the water pump operating efficiently. Your coolant should be fresh as well.

It always comes down to basic maintenance before mods. Fixing a corroded system will benefit a car more than the 180. Dead right.

If your system is in good shape, then the 180 is the next step. Drilling the holes is even better. It keeps the drivetrain from having that initial 'heat saturation' before the stat opens. It really keeps the temps down, but not as extreme as the scary 160 stat would be. I still think the colder climate guys would have to have different thermostats for winter and summer, at least if you drill one. Drilling is GREAT for summer, but might be extreme for winter. Finding the happy medium would be cool, so we'll just have to experiment. Lucky for us, stats are cheap, and easy to change.

I agree on the flushing aspect...I am a nut about this myself...with
Oils..Fluids...Coolant..etc....I was just looking for tips on drilling methods...Thanks..for being in Ohio...I think (2) stats are in order...What...(1) 180 drilled (summer) and (1) 180 not drilled (winter) ?? What do you think...it'* about 10 deg f...Today...

Makes sense...The 160 is a little too cold??? ya think..

I'd go with two 1/16" holes for starters. Sounds great. I really think 4 may be too much there. Works ok here, but I wouldn't want any more!

I just got back from the dealer who had to turn off my "Service Engine Soon" light because my "Low Coolant Temp" code set it off.

I believe the only reason it went off was because I attempted some performance driving after only about 5 min. I came on at the exact moment of a burnout acceleration run.

What'* the point of drilling the holes for cooler performance ie. drag racing, if it will set off the warning lights.

And I had to strip off my CAI and make it look stock again for the Dealer service because of the warrantee

I'm running the 180 Stat drilled with 4 - 1/16" holes.

Outside temp. is only 40 F and it takes 10 full minutes of driving to warm up to 180 F.
If I push the car the temp will climb to about 186 F.

Compared to 5 minutes warm up time with the original 195 stat undrilled.
I haven't tried the 180 stat without the drilled holes.

If I had to do it again, I wouldn't drill the holes at all.