I'm curious as to why one would put a cooler thermostat on ones truck. It seems to me that combustion would be most complete at the higher temp and higher efficiency/lower emissions would be the result. I've also read that a cooler tstat makes our already abysmal fuel mileage worse.

I'm not knocking anyone w/ a low temp thermostat, I'm just curious as to the benefits.

 

heat is an engines worst enemy, so when the engine can run cooler more power is produced

 

but just like aluminum heads they run cooler and produce less power. u have to bump up compression ratio just to get the same power so what is the bennefit of a cooler thermostat

 

One benefit is that you can modify your PCM setting (such as advance timing) and not have it ping due to cooler combustion temps.

 

Ok, that all makes sense. Judging by the temp gauge I think the previous owner must have installed a 180 degree t-stat. I was trying to decide if I should replace it with a stock one; I think I'll leave it be.

Thanks!

 

Higher temperature thermostats do slightly improve fuel economy,
and almost all automakers are slowing moving higher,
like how the Chrysler 340 v8 had 180 degrees
the 1994-2001 Magnum 5.9V8 went up to 195 degrees
and the 2003+ Hemi 5.7 V8 went up to 203 degrees

on the experimental 4.7 V8 projects called 'MAGIC' and Durango "Apollo"
coolant temperatures were electronically controlled
and went up to as high as 240 degrees F at highway cruise part throttle
and the radiator grille had controllable shutters to limit air flow

in contrast to what most non-professionals think
higher thermostat temperatures actually increase NOx pollution slightly

there is also an effect where higher temperature thermostats
reduce bore wall wear,
which has been proven and known since the 1960s