So I finally decided it was time to put in a thermostat, which I thought I never had. Turns out I did have one - fortunately it was a failsafe locked in the open position.

I decided to go with a 160 degree model. A friend of mine (with his own camaro) told me if I didn't change my chip to match the lower temperature thermostat I'd have engine problems. But since I've been running my car on an open thermostat for the past year and a half with no trouble, I'm wondering whether or not he's right...

Thoughts?

 

He is full of Poo! If you install a thermomaster chip then you change the t-stat. not the other way around

 

Hm thanks.

 

I wouldn’t go below 180, I don't see the advantage of putting in a 160. Cruising on the open road, your engine will just be too damn cold to be efficient. In traffic, your temp will climb as high as it wants until the radiator fan kicks on at 220-ish.

 

I put a 180 in my 91 and in traffic it will climb up to 220 since I didn't alter the fan limit yet.

 

This past winter, my engine never warmed up fully. I plan on putting the 192 back in for next winter.
Whew, what a P.I.T.A. this forum is!

 

180 deg would be best for most conditions...

 

Do you really think there'll be a noticable difference between 160 and 180 degrees, as far as performance goes?

 

What performance?? I am saying what best for engine cooling.

 

With heat comes power. But there can be too much heat. A t-stat is not a performance part.