Can you put a lower temp t-stat in without changing the chip or using a programmer etc. I have a 91 Bronco with a 195 degree I believe. I heard you shouldn't just put a lower temp in, cause the computer wont be able to read it properly, and it might not open or close properly. Is this true?
Why the hell would you want to put a lower temperature thermostat in you engine?
The thermostat is a part that either works or does not, it will open and close according to the temperature of the coolant that is touching it. It does not interface with or even know that the computer is there.
The computer doesn't actually even know you have a thermostat either, it just looks at the engine temperature reading and adjusts fuel, timing and other settings accordingly. The problem with changing to a cooler thermostat is that the computer will think your engine has not and never will reach proper operating temperature.
With your factory computer, you really need to stick with the factory specified thermostat temperature in your case it should be 192 degrees.
Without the verbal lashing, I too would like to know why you prefer a lower temp thermostat. jor
I was only thinking, with a lower temp it would open earlier, keeping the engine cooler. I asked about the computer, because of the engine not knowing if it reached proper temps like you stated. I had a Z-28 a few yrs ago with a stage 2 chip. It recommended going with a 160 degree t-stat. Also came with a new fan switch as well.
The reason those cheap (as in performance not cost) half-assed chips required you to do that, was to fool the computer into thinking the engine was still cold, thus having it always run rich, read "too much fuel", so the could actually have some change (improvement? you decide) in your drivability for all that money you just spent...
Generally speaking, I would say it is a bad idea to run cool. I agree with
351 that the 160 would cause a rich situation. Anyhow, I was taught many years ago that an engine running hot (not boiling) is more efficient than one running cooler. I think this is generally true. Good luck. jorThanks for the replies, I put in a stock temp. Come to think of it, when I had that Camaro, it did run rich alot, over the years, I thought it was the carb getting old and in need of repair. I think the carb was still part of the reason though. I know the choke was starting to stick too so.
"verbal lashing" ???
You consider "Why the hell would you" followed by spot-on, specific answers to OP's questions a "verbal lashing" ?
Was I not politically correct enough for you, jor? Life must be real offensive to you on any given day... What rock did you crawl out from under?
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