So if it's more optimal for an engine to run cooler, then why wouldn't the o.e. temp stat be 160 or 180? Hey You pretty much hit the nail on the head

 

I'll present this argument:

I'll say, that if you have two identical trucks, in every way except 'stats, where one runs a 180, and one a 195, and you put them both under significant load for a duration of ten minutes, both will be running at the same temperature... The only advantage the cooler stat has is it opens sooner and starts flowing, which will keep the engine running cooler for longer than the 195 stat, but it will soon be overwhelmed..

an engines cooling capacity is related to the air flow, the fluid flow, the surface area of the exchange, and the health of that system- not when the stat opens or closes..

a 180 stat runs a bit cooler in normal conditions- but not significantly.. only because the cooling system starts swapping cooler fluid for warmer fluid sooner, and because it can stay briefly ahead of the power curve because of that- in normal condition.. that goes out the window under load though..

mileage suffers by using a cooler stat.. so do engine parts..

programming for a cooler stat allows a person to advance timing, as there is less opportunity for pre-detonation.. This is good for an engine running in open loop, and especially at WOT.. Advanced timing makes for a more powerful BOOM.. More powerful BOOMS make for more ponies.. unless: the PCM dumps more fuel than it needs, which it is liable to do when it thinks things are cooler than they are, because colder denser air is harder to ignite.. but if you program the PCM to curve fuel delivery, AND allow teh timing to advance- you get a nice clean and powerful BOOM.. Big BOOMS are cool.. so long as it happens SOLELY in the combustion chamber that is.. and preferably right as or just after the piston has passed TDC..

running a cooler stat just for the hell of it won't do a thing except eat your mileage up, wear and tear your catalytic converter out (due to rich a/f), and fail you on an inspection.. either by getting a CEL p1281, or a sniff/bag test if you're so unlucky to have one..

here is an option:

put a rad from a v10 in that critter.. methinks you won't have issues with overheating anymore if your stat and your wp are in good order.. and i bet that stat opens and closes at twice the rate that it does w/ your current rig.. and- you get the best of all worlds.. economy, performance (engine won't retard when an engine is cooler), and less wear and tear on your rigs internals.. but even with this rig, and back to my original argument: you run it against the same two identically built trucks, it will likely take twenty minutes under load as opposed to ten until they are all running the same mean temperature.. a healthy system will reach a plateau and stay there..

 

I went with a 180, reason is it's hot as hell here and going down the hwy I was running over 200 degrees, from everyone else I've talked to: Guys that have done this first hand and auto mechanics, they say 200 is a little on the warm side. Yeah I know stock is 195 and thats the recomended but I have a cai and dual exhaust, so running a little cooler isn't going to hurt. Running cooler will reduce intake temps and egt. All in which function better at cooler temps.

 

And everyone I've talked to that have done the 180's haven't had any codes thrown and they are very happy with them. So I'm going to take their first hand advice over Dodge's advice

 

Whatever you have to tell yourself to sleep at night.

The manufacturers test their vehicles in Arizona (aka Ovenzona) which gets much hotter than this area in Oklahoma. There's something wrong with your cooling system, and these so-called mechanics are full of Yak Squeeze.

 

Christ, man.. I typed all of that out for him and it fell flat.. huh.. and I have never taken a penny from Dodge to say it.. i've paid them plenty though..

 

It's easier to listen to "experts" rather than the facts.

 

where can you get a 180 degree thermostat ?

 

you type in dodge ram 180 degree thermostat in google or ebay. Even better (but more effort): go to an auto parts store.