Topic: Q: Colder thermostat worth the budget funds?
Hi:
One suggestion that was recently made to me by some thunderbird enthusiasts is to consider a cooler thermostat (170 or 180) vs the default one (I'm guessing 190 or 200).
I'm not 100% sold on this idea so I'd like to ask you Lemons veterans.
* From a cold engine, the TSTAT is closed so allow the coolant to heat up.
* Using a colder tstat (180) vs default, the t-stat will open up sooner and allow the engine run cooler earlier (at least until the coolant rises to the temp where the normal T-Stat pops open).
* However, on the track (esp a Lemons endurance race which will have the car running for a longer time vs a drag race), the engine is going to be constantly trying to DUMP excess heat INTO the cooling system. I believe that at some point on the track, the tstat (either temp version) will pop open and stay open for the duration of the driving session.
A colder t-stat isn't going to help me dump heat out of the coolant system like a secondary radiator (or tertiary, if you count my heater core I plan to use).
Q: Do you really believe that within a normal temp tstat operating under these conditions, the tstat will oscillate between being open and closed? If so, I'll look into seeing if we have the budget for a colder t-stat.
If not, I may be better off trying to rig up a tertiary roof radiator with my remaining pennies.
What say you Lemons veterans? Save my pennies or does this really help? Yes, I know they are cheap but I'm trying to save pennies for when we really need them.
-g
2017 Sears Pointless Organizer’s Choice
Frito Making Tbird from 2018 Sears Pointless Engine Heat BBQ - http://goo.gl/csaet4