9550

hey
how much does the thermostat really effect performance?

i recall back in the day people were changing to 180F thermostats for some reason. whats the reason?

also, is there ever a true need to change thermostats, perhaps due to certain mods? if so, what type of mods?

PRO50SC

Back in the day? Like the seventies before computer controlled cars? Be more specific.

Computer controlled cars need to run at a certain temp to run efficiently. Most ppl are running 180's so the engine will run a lil cooler w/o sacrificing and performance due to a cooler running engine. It's not so much b/c of the mods but more for temp purposes.

mjr46

t-stat 180 will provide minimal performance gains

9550

so why didnt they simply come stock with 180s?

mjr46

emissions purposes, warmer heat, and more of a buffer so the cars ecm stay in what is called closed loop operation where the ecm is controlling and computing inputs from various sensors to perform output commands to the cars fuel management system and emissions control system also

9550

ok thanks
8-)

JPJP

Actually the stock 5.0 Mustang makes its ADVERTISED maximum horsepower when coolant temp is between 160-180 degrees (F). Outside those temperature values and the HP begins to drop.