180 Thermostat

[behvah78]

I just got a 180 thermostat(haven't installed it yet). Do I need to re-program my ECU in order to use it? Would a 160 thermostat make much difference?

[Ripn12s]

No u wont have to reprogram the PCM.

Ive run both 180 and 160

no bad side affects besides maybe bad mileage

[jagxk800]

sorry for a stupid question, but what does a 180 thermostat do?

[Ripn12s]

Stock is 195. That means that the coolant doesnt pass into the motor until the Tstat reaches 195 degs.

By using a colder tstat you keep the motor cooler.

Here is Texas I switched to the 160 becuase it gets pretty hot in traffic.

[behvah78]

kewl then I guess 180 would do fine in vancouver canada.

[jagxk800]

makes sense i suppose. so 180 is the common mod? How difficult is it to install? If i can't do it myself, how much would it cost to have it done?

[Ripn12s]

Very Easy to install

Should take maybe 10 min depending on what year GP u have

[behvah78]

Here is how:
http://www.pfyc.com/supportfiles/tstat/tstat.htm

[jagxk800]

awesome, i appreciate the quick reply, though i do not have a gp yet

i have to sell my darn probe first... anyone interested??

[kilroypr]

Silly

[smoovrider]

i thought they made different tstat for the grand prix. like if u had a gt u would run the 180, and the gtp would run the 160. cuz they said the computer wont read it right or sumtin thing like, isnt that right?

[Ripn12s]

Stock for both GT and GTP is 195.

Some cars will throw SES lights if the tstat is too cold.

Some people cannot run a 160 on their cars becuase they pull a SES light. I've had no problems with either tstat

[kilroypr]

Remember that at certain temps the cylinder walls have less friction due to the temp the block has.
That is why a car that has a too cold tstat the engine tends to last less.
195 is based on the OEM car setup the best temp to have the least cylinder friction. But if you modify the intake to reduce knock you need to cool the block and the intake flow. You will get worst mileage with a cooler tstat but a heck more power. SO depends on what you want from your car is the tstat that you install. And BTW I think that 180 would no SES any GP, 160 is another story

[smoovrider]

okay. cuz i had bought the 160 but wasnt sure if i should put it in or not. u think i should?

[GTPCatz]

Originally Posted by smoovrider

okay. cuz i had bought the 160 but wasnt sure if i should put it in or not. u think i should?

I'd say yes you should be fine with the 160....

I run the 160 in the summer
then the 180 in the winter