Thermostats

GVR-4579 · 10-08-2005

I was just wondering what thermostats everyone is running, and if you have encountered any problems when switching to a colder thermostat than stock. I would like to lower my engine operating temp, but was not sure if DSMs have computer problems when you install a colder thermostat.

I am runing a 92 Galant VR-4 (MT) if you didnt know and it would make a difference in the answer, but they are all the same motor with different computers anyways.

Thanks, Erik

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 10-08-2005

I wouldn't go too low with a stock ECU. The ECU won't fully come out of warmup mode, if it doesn't get hot enough. The car will probably run fine, but you might have some swings in the A/F ratio at WOT that will make tuning a bit harder, if you are sometimes at 175 degrees and other times at 195 degrees. I run a colder one in my car with the AEM EMS, but I have full control over the warm up enrichment tables and the fans. I probably have it set to come out of warm up mode at around 158 degrees and I have the fans come on at something like 180 degrees and shut back off if it gets under something like 175 degrees.

**Kracka** · 10-08-2005

I ran a Napa 180* and it worked perfectly for summer use with FMIC.

GVR-4579 · 10-08-2005

I dont know what is in my car right now, but it is running at 205-210 and i was thinking it wouldnt hurt to bring it down a little.

Wizard · 10-08-2005

I've used 180 with no problems on many cars. 160 is too low without ECU mods to support it.

Wiz

GVR-4579 · 10-08-2005

Yea i was thinking about a 180 or 190, but if 180 works thats all the better

Thanks for the info

**Kracka** · 10-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by GVR-4579

Yea i was thinking about a 180 or 190, but if 180 works thats all the better

Thanks for the info

Factory OEM is 192*. Before assuming its just a thermostat though (since you'll generally run cold when one goes bad) you should check into other things too. Whens the last time your car had the coolant flushed? Is it mixed 50/50?

GVR-4579 · 10-08-2005

Temp is always steady and the coolant has been changed recently, am looking for a new radiator right now tho because i have found a very small leak in the bottom of mine, i have posted in the WTB section for this as well.

Thanks erik