Colorado_Mustang

The thermostat will only delay overheating, not prevent it. If your cooling system is up to snuff, it will be able to keep the system temp at whatever the t-stat rating is. I can put a 160* stat in my '71 and it will run at 160*. A 192* stat, and the system runs at 192*. A cheap stat may cause problems, but it isn't because of the temp range, only the quality.

17mpg is way bad mileage in my book. I currently average closer to 25mpg. With the 180, I was down to 21 mpg with poor throttle response. A 20% loss in mileage is fine with when adding FI, but not when changing t-stats.

cliffyk

My '03 runs stronger with the 180° thermostat, mileage is the same--however I have a tuner and am running a 93 octane setup with the spark advanced another 1° to 2° across the available ranges. Prior to the lower temp themostat this (the additional timng advance) was not possible without pinging.[/align][/align]I suspect that a lower temp t-stat with the stock tunecould have a negative effect, also those in cooler climates might find that it's not a wise move...[/align]

GStam66

buffalo = cooler climate (in the fall and early spring) [:'(]

BuzzCut

I don't drive on the highway much and mine is mostly in town. I figure if I did drive it on the highway 20 plus would be no problem. In town I'm heavy on the loud pedal at times so 17 is real good.

cliffyk

[/align][/align]Sure is--I lived in Crystal Beach in the mid-60s...[/align]