160 Thermostat
 

Is their any tuning required for a cooler Thermostat? Any idea how would a stock PCM would respond? Thanks.

You can do it, I did it in my 06 Vett. The coolant temps jump a lot more because the fans aren't programed correct. Going down the freeway, my temps would be 170, then in stop and go traffic it would be at the stock 210. Program the fans and it would run 170 all the time.

The thermostat helps A LOT though, atleast on my LS2 Vett. Business partner and I had identical cars running identical times at the drag strip. We did a top speed run(on airport runway) and our cars pulled dead even from 40-130. Then from 130-160 my car pulled 3 cars on him, it was like I sprayed the car. The only thing we can think is my car stayed cool on the big end where his just didn't. So you can figure, when we started the run my car was at 170ish and he was already at 200/210.

I would advise against it for a stock HP motor. Leave it stock temp.

just tune the fans to come on sooner

like theFett said, you can do it. tho while you are at a standstill, your temps will still climb to 210 until your fans come on. while you are moving it will keep you cooler tho.

I did it to my car...

You can certainly do it...but for the full benefit you need to adjust your fans either with a tune, or a handheld programmer. I sell both!

It will not cause negative effects if it is not tuned...you will just get better results if you do adjust for it!

The fans on the camaro come on at 190 this car dos not get passed 210, In this part of AZ the temp is 110+ this time of the year.

a colder stat doesnt really help you once your heatsoaked to death.
my ls1 eventually ran 190 in summer with a 160. i expect the camaro to be no different.
i say tune and 160 and a blower! ask zz for his shizzaZZLE.

Not only that if your engine blows and they find that t-stat you could be in for a nice bill because it voids the warranty. Guess how much Crate LS3 or L99 is, installed?

Lot more than a thermostat costs.

I would adjust the fans to come on sooner if you are worried about it. Even with a colder thermostat the car will still heat up to the factory temps because the fans are adjusted to come on at a certain temp.


If you combined the thermostat and fan tuning, you will have lower overall temps.

Just like everyone else said, ECM must be reprogrammed, to take full benifit of the lower thermostat. I added a 160 after my tuner told me to put one in because of the 100+ temps during the summer months. Don't harm the car during the winter.

Great info, Thanks!

This question will forever be a debate of preference. I personally am in the group for a cooler running engine. My reason however is not for the obvious heat soak/performance line. I look at it in the long term. When you can reduce operating temperatures for years,you will without a doubt extend the life of the pump. This is a fact that cannot be refuted. Period.

Wouldn't a non-GM reflash kill your warranty faster than a cooler thermostat?