I have so far installed a catback Magnaflow exhaust, a Diablo predator, and a K&N cold air intake. The last mod I was thinking of doing would be the 180 degree thermostat. My question is, what sort of tuning should be done with my Predator if I decided to upgrade my thermostat, and to also accommodate the extra air coming in from my K&N and out of my engine with the help of the Magnaflow muffler and exhaust?

 

Nothing that you can really change from the end user stand point with that Predator, man. You might be able to hop your idle up just a bit, but that's it. On these new motors I'm not sure I'd be going to a 180* thermostat just yet. Used to be that would get you just a little more power, and it will probably do the same thing in your application as well, but I wouldn't think it would be worth it. I did the 180* stat in my 97 and I know of a few 3rd gen guys who do it as well. If you live where it gets cold in the winter time, then you might regret your choice as it will take longer for the motor to warm enough for the climate control system to dump heat in the cab. I spent many mornings freezing my a$$ off in the winter driving to school/work with no heat because of this.

Are you still going the custom tune route?

 

I honestly would just like a canned tuned, one and done. I don't like the guess work with my predator:/

 

The 180 T-stats were all the rage in the Jeep community about 5 or 6 years ago until everybody realized that they didn't provide any real benefit. I never put one in myself, but it seemed a pretty large consensus that they were a waste of time. YMMV.

 

Well you could do some data logging, if you don't have tuner in your area, with access to a dyno. Mostly breaking down the following.

Data-logging within acceleration, drivability, fuel, ignition, speed control, and transmission.

These settings will allow for a canned tune via email. As metioned, if you live in a cooler climate area, and you drive during cold/freezing conditions, you'll regret the 180 T-stat. Plus you'll have a annoying engine light courteous of HAL, lol.

Realistically though, with everything you've done, with a CMR tune, if's very possible to put down an extra 20-30 RWHP on top of what you have already.

 

I need a HEMI IN my DAKOTA

 

Good point PowerSedan. i will look into this