Which thermostat will help keep my car running cooler the 160 deg or the 180 deg?

Question

Might sound like a dumb question, but I dont know if the higher number or the lower number is better.

They are both the same price, so I might as well get the one that is better for my car.

Oh and if anyone knows what comes stock with a 2003 mustang GT that would be great, someone told me 180, but I dont know if that was right.

Answer 1

While the 160 deg stat will make the engine run cooler,I wouldn't recommend it! The hotter any internal combustion engine can be run without overheating,the less sludge will build up inside of that engine.

Answer 2

It depends on what part of the country you do most of your driving. If you live in the midwest where the temperature is more moderate, the 180 degree thermostat is just fine, but if you live where it is very hot, and your car is a few years old, you may want to put the 160 degree thermostat in during the hotest time of the year,and when it cools off and you will be using the heater, then install the 180 degree thermostat. If you have a newer car and the cooling system is in good shape you should not have to change thermostat. Good luck.

melscybergarage.net

Answer 3

Running a 160 degree thermostat will lower your engines operating temperature.  However it will also increase you fuel consumption - lower your gas mileage.

Your Mustang engine computer is designed to run you engine at a set temperature.  The six cylinder Mustang calls for 195.  If you use a 160 degree thermostat, your computer will think the engine is still in the warm up cycle and not go  into the proper mode for best fuel economy.

Check with you auto parts supplier for the right temperature rating for your engine.

If you are having overheating problems check the cooling system but don;t try to fix it with a lower thermostat.

Mike

http://www.mikestrawbridge.com

Answer 4

that rating only sets up when the4 thermostat will open, not at which point the fans will come on. that is controlled by the computer. putting in the cooler thermostat can cause a few interesting situations like a smog failure due to fuel not evaporating on a cold start up, decreased fuel economy for similar reasons. i would stick with the 180 if it were my car.  

Answer 5

The majority of stock engines thermostats run a 195 degree stat.  U should be good with a 180, if too much lower, the computer will not change its settings for the 160.  Thinking that it is possibly still trying to warmup then.  Good luck.:)