Controlling Coolant temp- Thermostat swap or fan tune

[blackflag]

I have noticed that my coolant temp is real constanst at 190 when regular driving (bone stock).

But I noticed at the dragstrip, it heats up quick and even gets around 220 leaving the line in mid 80 degree weather.

I'd like to make some changed to keep my coolant temps more stable. I haven't pulled the stock tune and looked at it yet to see when the fans turn on. But its higher than what I want.

What effects would I see to changing the thermostat to something lower? Could I better control heat with just a 160 or 170 thermostat, or do I really need to add/upgrade fans or change the fan tune?

Or could I run a switch to the fan hot side and turn them on when I want manually?

Thanks for the ideas!
Josh

[SUX2BU]

Get a 160 degree thermostat and get the computer tuned for the fans to come on earlier. Problem solved.

[blackflag]

Ordering a 160 thermostat tomorrow. I'm just not wanting to "tune the car" and void the warranty. Have had my laptop and EFILive sitting in the truck since I got it, but have fought the urge to play with the tune just yet.

Maybe just the thermostat will help keep the temps down some since it will be circulating 30 degrees cooler than stock. Guess I will have to find out.

[SUX2BU]

Originally Posted by blackflag

Ordering a 160 thermostat tomorrow. I'm just not wanting to "tune the car" and void the warranty. Have had my laptop and EFILive sitting in the truck since I got it, but have fought the urge to play with the tune just yet.

Maybe just the thermostat will help keep the temps down some since it will be circulating 30 degrees cooler than stock. Guess I will have to find out.

Just swapping thermostat won't help much. You would have to wire in a switch to the fans if you don't want to tune.

The reason for this is that stock fan settings are 221 degrees for low speed fans and 228 for high speed fans.

[blackflag]

Originally Posted by SUX2BU

Just swapping thermostat won't help much. You would have to wire in a switch to the fans if you don't want to tune.

The reason for this is that stock fan settings are 221 degrees for low speed fans and 228 for high speed fans.

Well that explains it!! haha.. Sounds like I got some wiring to do

[Padre]

Originally Posted by blackflag

Well that explains it!! haha.. Sounds like I got some wiring to do

That would be an interesting mod (changing it with resistors).

I solved the problem with a Meziere Electric Water Pump, a 160* stat, and a fan tune. But I had (when stock) basically the same problems you do.

Padre