thermostat

[89TX5.0]

Is it safe to take my thermostat on an 89 mustang (5.0). I do live in Texas so it only gets 60 like in the winter maybe 5 or 6 times. It doesnt really get colder than that?

[351wStang]

Taking your thermostat out will not make your car run cooler. I will however more than likely make it overheat. Be removing the thermostat you remove a restriction in your coolant flow which was put there for a reason. If your coolant circulates too fast it will be rushed out of the radiator before it has time to cool. Therefore leading to an overheating problem. NEVER take your thermostat out!
What do you hope to gain by the way, by removing your thermostat?

[SVTcobra306]

What he said. Go to an advance auto and get a 160 degree thermostat. Stant PN 45356

Then drill a 1/8" hole about 1/8" from the edge and make sure it is installed at the top of the t-stat.

[stang_racer20]

NO NO NO! No 160 or 180 or whatever. Use a stock replacement 192 - 195. The engine is designed to run at that temp for optimal fuel economy and horsepower.

[HiFlow5 0]

Originally Posted by 89TX5.0

Is it safe to take my thermostat on an 89 mustang (5.0). I do live in Texas so it only gets 60 like in the winter maybe 5 or 6 times. It doesnt really get colder than that?

Please refer to your other thread about over heating.

[SVTcobra306]

Originally Posted by stang_racer20

NO NO NO! No 160 or 180 or whatever. Use a stock replacement 192 - 195. The engine is designed to run at that temp for optimal fuel economy and horsepower.

Yes that's true, but down here with a 180 the engine stays over 200 degrees. Mine will run between 220-230 on most days with a 180 T-stat, I don't want to think about how hot it would get with a 192.

Hopefully a combination of a fluidyne rad and a 160 will get me in the 190's.

[Hypsi87]

if you are running any higher compression than stock or, a turbo or blower, I would go with a 160* thermostat. If it is stock compression and NA, I would not go any colder than 180. If you have a 180 degree thermostat and you run between 200-235, you need a new raidator/fan controll. 235 is just to damn hot for any engine. Things will always stay together longer when they are colder over beting hotter.

[SVTcobra306]

My compression is up about a point from stock, and yes I need to be much much cooler than I am, that's why I ordered the fluidyne rad. My fan also doesn't kick on low speed until just over 200 degrees (factory bs).

Ford actually designed all its fuel injected vehicles to run over 200 degrees to "reduce emissions". Everyone who knows anything about engines knows this is bad for performance, hence the ready availability of the 180 and 160 t-stats. The factory 192 was designed to let the motor get over 200. The reason I say 160 is in Texas heat even with a cooling system in good shape, a 180 is hard pressed to keep the motor in the 190's.

[89TX5.0]

thnx for all the opionions it was greatly appreciated!

[HiFlow5 0]

160 is still too damn cold. Your going to be running too rich. I have a 192* stat, and my temp stays at 192, and I have yet to see it go over 200. Something's wrong with your cooling system if your running a lot hotter then the stat being used. Again, you will get better cooling capabilities when a warmer stat, 160 doesn't let the coolant dissipate heat long enough, and you will also be playing games with the ECU.