On my SE, I was able to get a 180* therm, install a CAI, rice pipe, and a K&N cone for under $200.

The t-stat won't really do anything for performance, but if you're really wanting to start adding things on as you go, it'll help in the long run. Besides, a cooler engine is a happy engine

colder is not always better. if they run better at 180, then why does gm use 195 deg stats for so many of their vehicles.

you guys need to chill a lil bit. i recently read a couple guys stating they lost mpg after the 180 stat change, thats all i was saying. so calm down.

you guys definitely have more research and knowledge than i do, and i have no problem being wrong, but . what i said was not so wrong.

The problem is that the stats dont back up your claim of cars not running better with 180* thermostats. Got a link to this info/threads you claim? I have a techinfo article written by the Gearheads of this site.(http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=91) You wont "gain" performance with one, but you will help keep it. The hotter your engine is, the less power it makes. The word heatsoak describes this condition. Like Bill said, only cars with other problems are negatively effected by 180* thermostats. Part of the reason 195* t-stats are used is to help the car warm up quicker in the winter. If you would like to talk about if 180* stats hurt 3800'*, i'm sure it would make an interesting topic in Performance and Brainstorming.

here is the most recent thread i was refering to

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...762&highlight=

If you notice, they continue to mention "drilled" 180* thermostat. That is a 180* thermostat that people drill holes in. Even though the spring may open at 180* on the t-stat, coolant is always flowing thus making it colder. WIth out holes drilled in it, the temps will never go below 180* once warmed up. (at least for me in FLA)

180s are best ugghhh all hail 180

depending on the application When your in Florida with a 14 year old car, lower temps are your friend. Up in the cold north, warmer is probably better for winter. I dont see much a winter here.

yessir, climate is a big factor not previously mentioned. i could see 180 not being such a bad idea here during our detroit summer, or your floridian temps year round. but in winter here, thats where it would affect fuel economy for sure.

hey koolkat, sorry we got ur thread a little off base, but back to ur original task,

willwren did a "ram air". check that out. pretty cool. i think he said bout 5 hp gain, for minimal parts. check it out

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...hlight=ram+air

I lost 1-2 MPG on my 98 when i dropped to a 180. but barely noticeable and only noticable on the highway. Once I put a high-flow cat on the car I gained mpg back again.

On my 93 (series 1) I actually maintained the mpg..No loss whatsoever.

180 keeps the engine cooler which (in my opinon) prolongs the life of the motor. Again strictly opinion here. Also with all the mountain driving I do its nice to start off colder when going up a 4000ft pass.