I recently read about a 180 degree thermostat being part of a performance package.Do you think if we wanted to just go with the 180 thermostat only would the computer adjust automaticaly.

 

The computer would adjust for the 180* temperature basically by staying in open loop...

 

Whenever you adjust the thermo, you should also adjust the on/off settings of your fans to compensate for the different temps your motor will run.

Also, don't expect to see any gains. It's a common mods in Corvettes to go with a 160 from a 180. It was once shown to gain 1 to 2 HP.

 

If its in open loop how can it make adjustments?

 

I read somewhere myself that you do have to make adjustments to your temperature control settings...but don't remember where. I think it could have been on a Diablo forum that when running a 93 oct tune you "must" make adjustments and that a 180% was recomended for performance gains with the 93 oct users.

 

I've always heard that its detrimental to the engine to run at cooler temps.

 

If I remember correctly, back in the day, 60's, 70's, 80's cars ran thermostats of around 180 without any problems, go much lower and then you may have a problem getting the moisture out of the crankcase and the oil.

The higher therms today have more to do with engine emission compliance from my understanding.

 

Should have added, that unless you have a highly modified motor ie. heads & cam, IMO it's not worth the money and complications you may get into.

 

There are no complications when lowering your thermostat...as a matter of fact you do it from your tuner just as you do every other mod...from your tuner. And lower temps mean longer lasting gaskets, seals, engine parts and therefore longer engine life but to each his own, lol! Edit: BTW, I don't remember seeing any profesionals using anything other than the 180% thermostat on their gen 3's so that out to tell you something right there.

 

Whenever you play with the OEM setup of a vehicle, there is always complications.

Maybe not now, later, but there always is. I've had issues with a CAI in a warrantied vehicle. Every time I had an issue with the car, they always pointed to the CAI. That's why I had the dealership install the Mopar CAI on my Ram. May have cost a bit more, but I know that guarantee's that I won't have any warranty issues.
I've fallen on my face more than once with these 'little' mods over the past 30 years with over a dozen cars, and learned the hard way.
Simple Thermo change? If you ever have an issue with the motor, you think a dealership wouldn't use the changed Thermo temp if they find out to blame the failure on? Plenty of examples to go around to know the answer to that. Willing to jeopardize your warranty on your motor for a $20 dollar thermo?
Dispite the numerous examples of warranty work being refused on a simple change to a vehicle, some of you just need a personal experience before you realize it yourself.