170* t-stat

[wallbanger]

What benefits are there to adding the 170* t-stat... Also for those of us that live in warm climates does that mean that my fan will be on most of the time. it doesn't take long for my engine temp to climb past 170

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Unless you're tracking I don't believe there is any benefit and even then it's questionable. I'm certain there will be disagreement.

 

[valentine_viper]

What benefits are there to adding the 170* t-stat... Also for those of us that live in warm climates does that mean that my fan will be on most of the time. it doesn't take long for my engine temp to climb past 170

I just went with a 170 degree thermostst as part of a computer reflash. It does seem that the fan comes on more often now, but I don't see that as a problem. I'm not sure if changing the thermostat alone would improve performance or not. My car runs much better now, but there was a lot more involved with the reflash than just lowering the engine temp. One of the reasons Dodge (and most other manufacturers) user a 180 degree thermostat is for emissions compliance. But for maximizing performance, I believe a 170 is better.

I have also noticed that the car seems to stay cooler than before. Perhaps this is a side benefit of the lower thermostat setting.

 

[luc]

A T-Stat only control/regulate the MINIMUM coolant temperature, the maximum depend on the thermal load and cooling system capacity (BTU).

Luc.00GTS

 

[CitySnake]

Luc is correct.
The sole benefit from this single change is that the car will run cooler at hiway speeds. In traffic, there will be no change in the operating temp., except, it will take a bit longer for you to reach "fan temp." since you will begin to heat from 170d.