I want to change my thermostat on my 1997 vette to cooler one. Maybe 180 or a 160 degree one.

Question

Will I have any problems with that. Also,Where is it located

Answer 1

as you can see, most everyone knows that running a cooler thermostat is not the best thing for the engine.  with a vette, you need to worry more about keeping the front of the condensor clean, cause after all, it is like a vacuum cleaner under the nose of the vehicle.

good luck

Answer 2

You will inviting more problems than you can count. In town driving will cause rapid water condensation & gasoline washdown inside the crankcase which degrades motor oil and leads to sludge varnish and corrosion. Redused coolant temperatures turns your on board computer system on it's head as it will constantly be calling for more fuel than it actually needs which will lead to excess carbon in the combustion chambers and shortens the life of the cataylic converter.

In the old days of tunable carbeurators, adjustable distributor advance curves, higher compression, better gas, racing intakes and exhaust systems, prepped cylinder heads and no converters. 160 and 180 degree theromstats worked for a little more horsepower at the drag strip. We changed oil every 1,000 - 2,000 miles because the best straight 20 or 30 weight oil cost around $12.00 for a 24 quart case.

Answer 3

It needs the 180 it came with a 195 = 160 is to cold and the engine will run rich on fuel & the cats will plug> If cooling is a problem than find the problem> An electric fan on the front might help> But it should cool with the stock system>Check the clutch fan as they were never very good>

Answer 4

I don't recommend doing this seeing how your car's computer is designed with parameters for a certain operating temperature.  If the car does not reach this, it is possible for your car to run richer resulting in poor mpg, excessive carbon build up and several other problems.

Answer 5

on top in front of engine. follow the top radiator nose until you see where it goes into the engine. that is the thermostat housing drain the radiator about 1/2 way then chose the drain c**k. remove the housing and clean up all the mating surface.replace the thermostat with the new one. SPRING SIDE DOWN. use some sealant and new gasket and reinstall thermostat housing in the revers order. refill radiator. start and check for leaks. done if no leaks are found. enjoy

No problems other then when winter comes it will take longer to worm up the inside of the cockpit for your comfort.