87GT Drop Top

I hear of a lot using a 180* stat, me included. I live in South Florida where is goes from hot to hotter. My question is why not use a 160* stat.

67mustang302

Because the engine coolant temp needs to get high enough for the ECU to go into closed loop mode. If not, the O2 won't provide feedback to the ECU and it won't adjust, and you end up running rich all the time. Actually, you're better off running on the warm side in many cases, when the chamber is warmer the air/fuel charge is more easily ignitable and will often burn more completely. Lower temp thermos are good with an effective cooling system to help control detonation in cases where the chamber is already hot enough and bordering on being too hot, but EFI needs a certain minimum coolant temp to go into closed loop.

camaroeater

I thought the same too, I live in Arizona where its normally 107* to 114* in the summer. My 180* stat does just fine though.