Stock thermostat temp on 97 GTS?

[ArlyDude]

Hello, I am looking into replacing my stock thermostat on my 97 GTS and was wondering what the stock one was. I am reading conflicting reports. I believe it's 195 but not sure. Does it benefit me to run a little cooler thermostat? I have aftermarket B&B headers which produce more heat and my AC system was been removed. Thank you in advance.

 

[mjorgensen Woodhouse]

Stock Is 195 but the factory one is no longer available. If you go 180 then it will open sooner, but at the end of the day the cooling system is still the limiting factor for max temps and you will get to the same as factory eventually.

 

[98RedGTS]

If you put a cooler thermostat in you should also have the car tuned to turn the fans on sooner otherwise it wont really run any cooler unless in motion.

Just be prepared that removing the thermostat isn't all that fun. You can do it without removing the intake all together but you might as well so you can change the gaskets and do some cleaning. Also, know that it's not uncommon for at least one of the bolts to snap off the thermostat housing when removing them. I just wen through this over the weekend and had to drill out the bolt and tap a new hole. Seen several others having to do the same.

 

[Stuntman]

Here's a good read (Page 4 is the start of the cooling system info):

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/ID/3788/Project-Viper-GTS-Part-2--General-Maintenance.aspx

Lots of info on the stock radiator fan:

http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArtic...-GTS-Part-5--Radiator-Fan-Wiring-Upgrade.aspx

An important quote from the above article:

"Keep in mind the stock 195*F thermostat bypasses the radiator entirely until 195*F where it starts to open and allow coolant to go through the radiator. Coolant continues to bypass the radiator and inject hot water back into the engine at varying amounts until the thermostat is completely open at 219*F where it closes off the bypass allowing 100% of the coolant to flow through the radiator."

A 180*F thermostat should be completely open at ~204*F -which is probably worth the effort.

 

[Geronimo]

I haven't changed mine yet but it's on the list here in a month or so. I can't speak for the viper yet but both my 2011 Ram hemi and the wifes Callenger went from running 215 degrees on a 90* day and dropping to 195 just by me changing to a 160* t-stat.I logged the before and after results driving the same route and distance. My results don't lie.Maybe the viper won't have the same effect but she runs about the 3rd tick on the 190* mark right now. I don't know what it has as far as a t-stat. Will soon find out. I'm putting a 160* in it and then a tune with fans coming on sooner.

 

[71firebird400]

For anyone preparing to change their thermostat, be aware there is a chance one of the three retaining screws may cause you grief. Nothing that can't be resolved but it'd benefit you to know what you're up against before tearing into it-

http://driveviper.com/forums/threads/13904-Changed-Thermostat-Nightmare!?

 

[Geronimo]

I think I will soak the bolts with penetrating oil for a few days and then apply some light heat to them just before. Thanks!

 

[98RedGTS]

I think I will soak the bolts with penetrating oil for a few days and then apply some light heat to them just before. Thanks!

Still be prepared. I did the same (let it soak for several hours though) and hit them with a center punch as recommended. 2 came out super easy. Last one snapped right off. Had to cut it flush, drill out and tap new threads. Waste of about 4 hours :-(