GStam66

Friend suggested it would be a good idea to switch to a 180 degree one, instead of keepin the 190.

1. Im assuming its not enough of a drastic change to require a tune?
2. It sounds like a good way to keep the engine cooler.
3. Where is the thermostat located?
4.Is it an easy install? Is there a walkthrough or guide anywhere?

GStam66

id like to try to do it today or tomorrow morning if its an easy task... ideas? [&:]

cliffyk

I just installed one in my '03, the engine runs a bit cooler (about 3/4 "needle width"), and a bit richer (I had a slight ping at lower revs that's gone).[/align][/align]Here's the factory shop manual's R&R... You do not need to drain the coolant, just work when the engine is cold and stuff the area around the t-stat with some old towels/paper towels (you'll lose about 1-1/2 cups of coolant). Disconnect the hose and tieit up out of the way, then remove the elbow (the bolts were tight as heck on mine--I actually used a 1/2" impact wrench to remove one of them). You'll lose a bit of coolant when you take off the elbow. Clean the elbow now, before you pull the old thermostat.[/align][/align]Get the new thermostat ready to go and then take to old one out--gently pick the O-ring out with a smallish screwdriver, then remove the old unit and quickly insert the new one and the O-ring (you'll lose a bit more coolant here). Put the elbow back on (torque the bolts to 18 lb.ft.), reconnect the hose, and you're done.[/align][/align]Start the car and go for a drive to get the engine hot, then check for leaks and if all is well let it cool. When it's cold you'll need to add a bit of 50/50 mix to top off the expansion tank.[/align][/align]

Colorado_Mustang

Easy to do, but not worth while. I had a 180* in mine for about 2 tanks. Less performance and way bad gas mileage.

undecided.steve

Leave it alone.

1. It does virtually nothing for performance.
2. Bleeding the air out of these cars cooling systems is a PITA.
3. If you still have the plastic x-over tubes on the manifold, you certainly do NOT want to screw with it.

Just my 2 cents.

P.S. Back before computer controlled cars, changing to a lower temperature stat was a good trick.
Now days it usually does little or nothing good and can actually make performance worse.

BigTurbo6

With this being said , can tapping the second coolant sensor in the wrong spot create a rich/lean condition??

GStam66

ok, maybe a new thermo aint the best idea... [&:]

BuzzCut

Then you have something wrong as mine will get 17 mpg in town with the Lightning thermostat in it which is a 180. Performance is the same runs a little cooler.

GStam66

ok maybe a new thermo IS a good idea? [&:]

CobraStangGT16

Yeah it shoudn't hinder anything. It actually keeps the car from overheating when it would with a 190* stat.

I got one question though, I remember doing a swap last year on my dad's Shelby, but I remember questioning which way the t-stat goes in? With the clip facing engine-side, or radiator-side? Sorry if it's a stupid question, but I remember having to ask about that and I forgot which way it was. Thanks.