5pony0

Ok, I've been trying to do some research on this topic and seem to get conflicting information.

First, I hear that you want your engine to get to ideal operating temp for better performance and to get nothing lower than 180 thermostat.

I've also heard by warming up to ideal operating temp faster it will help with emissions, etc.

Then other people say to get a 160 thermostat to keep it cool and make more power (with mods).

So which one is it? I'm sure it depends on mods and if it's overheating or not.

My 90 5.0 is stock except for full exhaust and cold air intake. I have a new copper/brass radiator that may be slightly bigger than the stock one and probably is more efficient at cooling.

For some reason the shop chose a 160 thermostat. Should I put instock or higher (195)thermostat to compensate for the better cooling radiator, to keep the engine at "optimum temperature"???

Right now the the temp gauge is staying at one notch above 130 when driving for 15 + minutes. Before the radiator swap and heater core restrictor, the temp gauge would always stay exactly in the middle after a quick warmup. Also the heat is lukewarm at best.

So what's correct?

1985stang

First of all, are you using an accurate gauge, or are you going off the stock one. Second, the engine should definately be up to temp in 15 minutes. I had a faulty thermostat and it would act just like you're describing, because it was stuck open therefore never letting the engine heat up. You're gonna want at least a 180 degree thermostat, and just so you know, 192 degree is stock which is what i swapped the faulty one out for and couldn't be happier.

HACKGT350

put a 180 t-stat in there. with a 160 your car is probably not hitting close loop and will run through gas like you wouldnt believe because its running off a preset fuel trim for more fuel to warm the engine up faster. it might be putting in more fuel and everyone thinks more fuel more power but thats not alway the case. i would go back to them and tell them they put the wrong t stat in there and you want a 180 put in

nitrous_bob

yes thats correct what hack said.

a carb car can run a 160*, efi cars will run too phat with a 160*, and 180* is better.

HACKGT350

i wont even run a 160 in mine. im running so freaking rich as it is my car doesnt get hotter than 170-175 unless im sitting in traffic then i turn my fan on and it drops to 160

bighungrymatt

if its an efi car dont run lower thana 180*

5pony0

I'm going off of the stock instrument panel temp gauge. It's way lower than normal.
If stock is 192, shouldn't I then get that or 195 to compensate for a better cooling radiator. What temp should the engine be up to once warmed up?

Just curious...why 180 and not stock 192?

thanks!

HACKGT350

180 will still alow the car to go into closed loop and still keep the engine a little cooler. the bigger rad if they even did that probably not will help but not so much. i dont know at what temp a 5.0 goes into closed loop but i know with a 180 you should run between 180* and 195*

1985stang

yeah, i agree with what hack said. although before worrying about it, i wouldget a real temp gauge.

HACKGT350

i really wouldnt worry about the gauge because he said it started running cooler right after they did all the work and now his heat isnt hot that sounds like the wrong t-stat and the restriction thing needs to go