Taking my 2002 Z06 in tomorrow for a few mods - short shift, headers, high flow cats, CAI, x-pipe, LS-1 tuneand was wondering what you all thought about changing the thermostat to a 160 degree. I have generally heard don't do it but the shop that is doing the work is recommending that I do it.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Bob

 

Do it. I don't know who is telling you not to do it, I haven't heard of any reason not to. I have a 160 thermo in my Camaro.

 

I can't think of any reason not to do it either. What exhaust set-up and CAI are you going with?

 

...should work just fine with the mods you are doing

 

Most folks do the 160 deg thermostat, and I did, too. You have to reset the radiator fan start temp in the ECM too. I've never really believed it helped a whole lot, but it doesn't hurt to have it done.

 

The only thing i can think of why you wouldnt want to go to a 160 stat is... well your heater may not blow hot air on them cold mornings you want it to.. if you live in so cal then thats not really much of a consequence but other geographic areas people may care about that minor detail.. Also the stock stat is in there to make your car run warm which in turn makes your computer retard timing for emissions purposes.. if you are close to failing emissions testing then a 160 stat could put you over the edge... not likely but..it could happen. truthfully in the days of old before computer controlled engines, the rule was/is that heat makes horsepower.(heat in the combustion chamber that is). NEXTEL cup cars run their coolant temp in the 200-220* range for a reason. These days it'shot combustion chamber hpvs cool coolant temps for more timing advance which = more hp. the cooler stat seems to be of more benefit on computer controlled engines. I hope that makes sense.