Thermostat
Thermostat
03-11-2003, 08:09 AM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Sterling Heights, MI
Posts: 1,541
I got a 160 with no problems. I also drilled little holes in the t-stat so that air pockets could escape. If you buy a t-stat from TPIS they come pre-drilled and they charge you like $15-$20 for one.
03-11-2003, 11:48 AM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Sterling Heights, MI
Posts: 1,541
Originally posted by 87DJP2001
On a stock 350 and stock chip the 160 deg thermostat will be to cold for you and will mess up your ECM and may give you SES codes. 180 deg would be the lowest one.
On a stock 350 and stock chip the 160 deg thermostat will be to cold for you and will mess up your ECM and may give you SES codes. 180 deg would be the lowest one.
Go figure 
03-11-2003, 08:36 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 312
Oh boy...... a lot of misinformation here. We really need to post an FAQ on this topic. Two issues:
A 160 t-stat will harm the ECM. Concern: The inability to attain closed loop. This is false. Closed loop is attained when: a) Coolant temp reaches 104 deg F (not a typo) AND exhaust temps reach 600 deg F. This information is directly from my 1987 Camaro shop manual. My personal experience is that on a cold morning (35 degrees or so) on a cold engine, I attain closed loop within two miles, well before my t-stat opens. This is verified by my linear 21-LED oxygen sensor bargraph (and my scanner). The only concern with running a 160 t-stat is the inability of the heater to produce warm enough air. On some cars, this is no issue. On others, it is. I cannot explain why there's a difference.
A 170 t-stat is hard to find. Yes, TPIS sells them but do you know where they get them from? GM!!!! The part number is 10220957. They retail for around $6.
A 160 t-stat will harm the ECM. Concern: The inability to attain closed loop. This is false. Closed loop is attained when: a) Coolant temp reaches 104 deg F (not a typo) AND exhaust temps reach 600 deg F. This information is directly from my 1987 Camaro shop manual. My personal experience is that on a cold morning (35 degrees or so) on a cold engine, I attain closed loop within two miles, well before my t-stat opens. This is verified by my linear 21-LED oxygen sensor bargraph (and my scanner). The only concern with running a 160 t-stat is the inability of the heater to produce warm enough air. On some cars, this is no issue. On others, it is. I cannot explain why there's a difference.
A 170 t-stat is hard to find. Yes, TPIS sells them but do you know where they get them from? GM!!!! The part number is 10220957. They retail for around $6.
03-11-2003, 09:14 PM
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 312
Thankx Willie ....
Absolutely. We're all here to help one another. In the grand scheme of things, isn't that what it's all about?
Also , is it true that a 160 Tstat will cause a small puff of carbon smoke when you first start the car ?
Nope. That's hardened valve seals. Very common on small block Chevy's.
Mine has no problems whatsoever.
Agreed. Mine neither.
Of course, my car doesn't have the stock chip in it any longer.
It doesn't matter. One of my Z28's is bone stock with a 160 t-stat. It's been like this since 1992!!! Runs great!
Willie
Absolutely. We're all here to help one another. In the grand scheme of things, isn't that what it's all about?
Also , is it true that a 160 Tstat will cause a small puff of carbon smoke when you first start the car ?
Nope. That's hardened valve seals. Very common on small block Chevy's.
Mine has no problems whatsoever.
Agreed. Mine neither.
Of course, my car doesn't have the stock chip in it any longer.
It doesn't matter. One of my Z28's is bone stock with a 160 t-stat. It's been like this since 1992!!! Runs great!
Willie