170t-stat on Gen 4?

1.8t · Dec 11, 2011

I did a little bit of searching, but has anyone run a lower temp thermostat on a gen 4 code free? My car is an 09 Coupe and my reason for asking is through all of the dyno testing I have done, there is a very obvious correlation with higher power numbers and lower coolant temps. I am not saying I would be picking up 10whp or anything, but every little bit helps and if I can run a 170t-stat error code free, then why not. Any help and experience is appreciated.

redtanrt10 · Dec 12, 2011

1.8, to keep it from tripping a code I think you need to warm up the motor at idle and keep the rpm's up, lugging in 5th ot 6th seems to do it even with a warmed up engine. Dan at DC told me not to add one. and I know Mark J from Woodhouse had a post on that subject saying you don't need one. Before you go to the trouble, touch base w/Mark

Viper X · Dec 12, 2011

1.8t,

Ran a 170 T-stat in my 09 ACR for about a year. Very good at the track when warming it up very thoroughly before driving and pressing it hard.

On the street, you MUST warm the car up well before driving it on a normal day., i.e 70F+. Forget about it on a cold day, i.e. cold here is So Cal is 50F outside. A short run on the Freeway in 6th gear at 75 ish will net a lightning bolt every time.

Wouldn't run a 170 T stat again, too many problems. There are other ways to help cool the Gen IV for track use.

PM me if you're interested.

Dan

bluesrt · Dec 13, 2011

put some water wetter in it

Paul Hawker · Dec 13, 2011

I spoke to some SRT engineers a few years back and they indicated that their engine actually was more efficient at the higher engine temps. Recommended against the lower temp thermostats.

Newer engines seem much more resistant to overheating than previous models.

When I tracked my 96 it was more of a matter of heat management in the engine and brakes than going as fast as you could. If you spent any time at higher revs the engine would quickly get into the red zones, and if you used your brakes too hard they were gone. Always needed a gentle cool down lap before returning to the pits.

Gen IV's can run like the wind.

Pappa Prich · Dec 15, 2011

For what it's worth -- From everything that I've read on the subject and found on this forum for the Gen IV I wouldn't touch the 'simple' mods such as air-intake and lower t-stat. The SRT engineers knew what they were doing and stock components are perfect for the car (especially with the Gen IV). ... Opening up the exhaust and headers; different story -- let'r breath!

Viper X · Dec 16, 2011

Pappa Prich said:
For what it's worth -- From everything that I've read on the subject and found on this forum for the Gen IV I wouldn't touch the 'simple' mods such as air-intake and lower t-stat. The SRT engineers knew what they were doing and stock components are perfect for the car (especially with the Gen IV). ... Opening up the exhaust and headers; different story -- let'r breath!

Wish that were the case.

Gen IV's run hot and overheat at the track when run ******* hot days just like all previous Vipers.

Run fine on the street.

mjorgensen Woodhouse · Dec 16, 2011

They run much better if you have the Arrow Racing carbon fiber closeout panel, it gets more air through the radiator.

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Viper X said:
Wish that were the case.

Gen IV's run hot and overheat at the track when run ******* hot days just like all previous Vipers.

Run fine on the street.

bluesrt · Dec 16, 2011

Viper X said:
Wish that were the case.

Gen IV's run hot and overheat at the track when run ******* hot days just like all previous Vipers.

Run fine on the street.

i have run this summer in brutal heat and my car stayed in spec the whole time

Viper X · Dec 16, 2011

Have the Arrow close out panel and it helps. Have done a bunch of other things that help too.

If you really want to know how well the OE cooling system works, ask a few of the Viper Cup racers.

Again, fine on the street, not so fine on hot days at the track.

Hope the Gen V is better.

170t-stat on Gen 4?

1.8t

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redtanrt10

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Viper X

Former VCA National President

bluesrt

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Paul Hawker

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Pappa Prich

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Viper X

Former VCA National President

mjorgensen Woodhouse

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bluesrt

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Viper X

Former VCA National President

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