Just received my 160 thermostat from SLP, no problem I see putting it on, but I do have just one little question, it says that I will need to reprogram my PCM so the cooling fans will come on at a cooler temperature. I do not have a Hypertech Power Programmer Three. So, where do I go from here? SLP#4340 KICKBACK
Posted by DARK AGE 53 (Member # 880) on :
If you can't get the fans to come on sooner the 160 therm won't do you much good. Have you checked out www.installuniversity.com they have some good tips about this install. I just got my KAL EQUIP OBDII system tester an checked out real temp, the cars temp gauge showed 208 but the real temp was 193. It's nice to know the cars not running as hot as the temp gauge shows.
Posted by 99 HOSS (Member # 109) on :
I'm going with a 180 degree, so re-programming won't be necessary. I still think 160 is a bit too cool for the LS1.
Plus this winter I'm removing all the added coolers within the cooling system and taking them external. (Tranny and P/S) And adding an external oil cooler, as well.
All this combined should allow the engine to run a tad cooler and add a couple of 'ponys' to boot.
Posted by DARK AGE 53 (Member # 880) on :
I think the 180 therm would be better also but some guys seem to want the 160 instead.
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Hi Guys,
I have the 160 stat and the Hypertech and my car runs just fine.
From my little knowledge I don't think the stat will effect the operation of the engine at normal summer operating temps. It will allow the cooling process to begin sooner. The cooling of the engine is more a function of rad capacity, air flow, water pump efficiency etc. When max cooling is required it won't make a differnece if you have a 160 or a 180, if the stat is open it's open.
In fact, in the "old days" we used to take our stats out in the summer, and put them back in the winter so we'd have heat in the car. The warmer stats gave us nice heat in the winter, and in summer we didn't have any stat in.
My thoughts.
Posted by BupbeeSS (Member # 907) on :
Seems that some of you don't know that the factory thermostat is 180, according to the specs in my 2001 owner's manual. So changing to a 180 is pointless. Also, certain bi-metal sensors have operating ranges and running a computer controlled engine at a temp not in accordance with engineering specs for the engine and emmissions functions would be foolhardy at best.
------------------ 2001 SS Navy Blue/Ebony Leather Build #3812 M6 Hurst, all factory options + SLP front grille
Posted by DARK AGE 53 (Member # 880) on :
BupeeSS it seems like the correct thermostat temp is a mystery. I was at a Chevy dealer friday and was asking about getting the fans to come on sooner and the mechanic said the stats were 195 so go figure.
Posted by BupbeeSS (Member # 907) on :
I think the 180 spec might be initial opening temp? The mechanic might have quoted the spec at full open? Anybody have a clue? I still stand by my statement that altering the engine's designed operating temp is a bad idea.
------------------ 2001 SS Navy Blue/Ebony Leather Build #3812 M6 Hurst, all factory options + SLP front grille
Posted by DARK AGE 53 (Member # 880) on :
If it were me I'd just reprogram the fans to come sooner. I just got my KAL EQUIP OBDII system tester and I checked to see what the real temp was, the gauge said 208 and the OBDII showed 193. It's nice to know the cars not running as hot as the gauge shows.
Posted by BupbeeSS (Member # 907) on :
My gauge registers two needle widths below the 210 middle mark, which looks like 195 to me.
------------------ 2001 SS Navy Blue/Ebony Leather Build #3812 M6 Hurst, all factory options + SLP front grille
Posted by MOO4340 (Member # 471) on :
GMMG installs 160 degree stats in their SS's for B & e, and their normal operating temperature is 192 degrees. Don't know if the fan was running or not, all I know is the temp. never got over 194, and that is on the hand held computer from GM. So the 160 degree stat does work, and eveidently the fans do come on sooner. KICKBACK SLP#4340
