Car question

[RU482]

I have a 97 Bonneville that needs a new thermostat.

For the summer months, is there any benefit to going with a lower temperature thermostat?

Will this improve MPG or power?

 

[TekViper]

Do not change to a different temperature thermostat. You might have the check engine light come on because the pcm monitors coolant temperature and if its not where it wants it to be the light will come on, probably why you are changing the thermostat to begin with. Head over to a GM dealership and get the acdelco thermostat that is required. If you buy one at an autozone type place make sure its acdelco and the correct part number.

 

[JinLien]

Originally posted by: TekViper
Do not change to a different temperature thermostat. You might have the check engine light come on because the pcm monitors coolant temperature and if its not where it wants it to be the light will come on, probably why you are changing the thermostat to begin with. Head over to a GM dealership and get the acdelco thermostat that is required. If you buy one at an autozone type place make sure its acdelco and the correct part number.

What he said. Thermostat also control the coolant fan to keeps the engine at optimal operation temperature, and it will not be beneficial to you if the engine runs at lower than optimal temperature.

 

[thedarkwolf]

The thermostat sets the MINIMUM normal running temp and won't effect the fan. Stock probably calls for a 195 give or take a few degrees and they run them that hot for emissions and gas mileage. Running a 180 temp one will help performance but so little you will never notice and will hurt fuel mileage but again so little you will never notice. The fan will kick on at the normal temp so running the 180 won't make any diffence in stop and go type of driving. Running one colder then 180 is when your run into problems with the computer not being happy and added engine wear.