So today I got the motivation to install a 180 degree stat in my truck. I had been looking at putting in a Jet 180 degree stat but I just couldn’t bring myself to paying $35 or whatever it is for a thermostat. Went over to the local Advance Auto and bought the Stant 180 degree equivalent that fits mid 90’s Mazda 929’s for $9.99. It is not an exact fit bc the stocker is 63mm and the Mazda stat is 64mm but with just the smallest bit of grinding it fits in the housing perfectly. Also drilled a relief hole in the new stat as it doesn’t come with one. All told between removing the old one, grinding down and drilling the new one and installing it the job took about 20 minutes. After the install I took her for a ride and she runs much cooler. Here is a pic of the temp gauge after the install and about 30 minutes of driving. The Stant part number is 14168 incase anyone is wanting to do the same swap.

 

From many experts that I talked to, it is best to keep it up to about 200 degrees to keep sludge from building up. A known problem with Mopars.

 

I have heard that, but I have read where lots of guys have had sucess with the 180 degree stats so I think I will be safe running it in there. I am looking to keep the running temp of my engine down for future mods that I have planned so the stat is just another link in the chain in prepping my engine for what is to come.

 

Me either. I'm running a Prestone 330-180 thermostat I bought at Napa for like eight bucks and it works great. I've had it in for five months or so now.

 

Great find Teach! Wish you had a came up with that a couple months ago. I already got a Jet 180*. Great to know that tho.

 

whats to come?

 

I figured that there would be some guys out there that haven't done the 180 stat for the same reason I hadn't yet, the price of the Jet piece. Hopefully this will let a lot more guys do it without having to shell out all that coin for a thermostat.

 

That is still top secret but as soon as I unload one of my houses I will be buying it. Then I will let the cat out of the bag .

 

i gotcha.

 

would it be a benefit to run one if where you live is always hot like tx lol