OEM vs. Autozone

[Blackcrow64]

Well if thats the case then why would they even make a 160 thermostat for this car?... It just doesn't make sense.

[JustSayGo]

The only reason that 160 degree t-stats are available is because too many folks believe colder must be better and re-engineer away from what every manufacture has determined is optimum operating temp. One t-stat manufacture began production and people bought them, the others followed so they wouldn't loose their sales market to competitors. T-stats are a designed restrictor that improves cooling efficeintcy especially at higher RPM. Engines are heaters, cooling systems are coolers. The greater the HP the more heat is generated. If an engine produces more heat than its respective cooling system is capable of taking away, it will get hotter and hotter regardless of t-stat choices. The only sense that lower temp t-stats make is sales dollars to the manufacture. Each t-stat manufacture will tell you that. They would rather sell you the most efficeint t-stat which is with few exceptions 192-195 degree.