LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Why do 160* Thermostats violate emissions?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-23-2004, 11:46 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Don't Look Back's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Roselle Park, NJ
Posts: 387
Why do 160* Thermostats violate emissions?

I am planning on buying a 160* stat, so I was checking out SLP's site, since they're only 20 minutes from my house. Under the product description, it says "Not for use on pollution controlled motor vehicles" Why??
Don't Look Back is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 12:11 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
QUASARBLUEZ28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Berkeley Spgs, WVA
Posts: 245
Good question. I've run a 160 stat for years and never had any emmission inspection problems. Last test the guy swore I was running dual cats the test was so clean.
QUASARBLUEZ28 is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 12:18 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
Tony Danza's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Turnersville/Washington Twp. NJ
Posts: 260
a 160 stat will not fail you on emissions
Tony Danza is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 12:41 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
94_Z28_guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: McHenry, Il
Posts: 217
This is a general statement, maybe doesn't apply to our cars, but emissions should be taken with the car warmed up to operating temperature. This is supposidly where emissions is the best (burns fuel most efficiently, etc.) If the 160 thermo keeps it from reaching the operating temperature the car was designed for best emissions, it could fail the test. But if nobody fails it with a 160 thermo, then it must not.
94_Z28_guy is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 12:43 PM
  #5  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Don't Look Back's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Roselle Park, NJ
Posts: 387
Thanks, guys, thats pretty much what I was thinking, with operating temperatures and all.
Don't Look Back is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 01:01 PM
  #6  
Registered User
 
SiDeWaYZz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: (SHOWING U MY TAILIGHTS)FaiRFieLD CaLiFoRNiA
Posts: 2,006
im suppose to get smoged today i have a 160 i hope i pass....but i dont know if im going to go i just got the *****in fflu so im sick but i want to smog it today so i can start my header install this weekend...has anybody had problems passing in cali with a 160 thermo...o yea i had a question having a high performence ingnition and coil will it help you pass smog??? thanks
SiDeWaYZz28 is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 03:50 PM
  #7  
Administrator
 
Injuneer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 1998
Location: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Posts: 70,824
At worst, lower head/combustion chamber temps will increase unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). On the other hand, it will reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx). But the change is very small.... it would only be a problem if you were borderline to begin with.

Outifts like SLP have to include that statement, unless they have submitted technical test data, proving that the mod does not affect emissions, to the proper authority... typically the California Air Resources Board or CARB. Unless a part has the CARB-EO emissions exemption, they are pretty much forced to state... "not for use on pollution controlled vehicles".
Injuneer is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 04:20 PM
  #8  
Registered User
 
SlickBlack Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 253
Keep in mind that when switching to a 160 thermo, it is important to get some type of computer program (such as hypertech) to turn the fans on sooner than the stock program.
SlickBlack Z is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 04:33 PM
  #9  
Registered User
 
truedualws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Downey, CA
Posts: 1,406
Won't Happen

I have passed the last two times w/o any problems
or questions.
truedualws6 is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 04:39 PM
  #10  
Registered User
 
z28marine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: CA
Posts: 503
i passed with one, i dont think you should ever worry about it...in fact, you shouldnt!
z28marine is offline  
Old 01-23-2004, 04:55 PM
  #11  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Don't Look Back's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Roselle Park, NJ
Posts: 387
Originally posted by SlickBlack Z
Keep in mind that when switching to a 160 thermo, it is important to get some type of computer program (such as hypertech) to turn the fans on sooner than the stock program.
Thanks for the heads up, I plan on buying/making a manual fan switch.
Don't Look Back is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff1904
General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech
5
06-05-2016 05:00 PM
sleeperZ96BT
Parts For Sale
5
09-09-2015 08:28 AM
sherwinZ28
Computer Diagnostics and Tuning
11
08-15-2015 05:38 PM
MikeWhitener
General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech
4
08-02-2015 06:17 PM



Quick Reply: Why do 160* Thermostats violate emissions?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:50 AM.