Modified Engine - Thermostat Rating?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
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From: Florence, SC
Modified Engine - Thermostat Rating?
I have a 1985 F150 that came with a stock carbed 302 engine. The carburetor now is a four barrel with an aluminum intake, I did the Duraspark II conversion, and ALL of the computer controls and emissions equipment is gone, (aside from the PCV valve) including the cats.
Ford lists a 195 degree thermostat stock for these trucks. But my engine is no longer "stock." I was always told that most auto manufacturers went to the 195 degree thermostat because of the computer and emissions on modern vehicles. If ALL of the electronics and emissions are gone, then would a cooler thermostat, like a 180 degree, be better? I noticed that in older vehicles, when the computer controls and emissions weren't used yet, they never used a thermostat as hot as a 195; most were around 180, or even 160.
I live in South Carolina, where are winters are very mild and are summers are BRUTAL. So would a 180 dgree thermostat be better, or should I still stick with the "stock" 195 degree thermostat?
Ford lists a 195 degree thermostat stock for these trucks. But my engine is no longer "stock." I was always told that most auto manufacturers went to the 195 degree thermostat because of the computer and emissions on modern vehicles. If ALL of the electronics and emissions are gone, then would a cooler thermostat, like a 180 degree, be better? I noticed that in older vehicles, when the computer controls and emissions weren't used yet, they never used a thermostat as hot as a 195; most were around 180, or even 160.
I live in South Carolina, where are winters are very mild and are summers are BRUTAL. So would a 180 dgree thermostat be better, or should I still stick with the "stock" 195 degree thermostat?
