Lower temperature thermostat

[Mister XR]

I was browsing a viper-products site and noticed that they sold different temperature thermostats on there. Apparently the OEM one keeps the temp at 195 degrees, but you can get a 180 or even a 170 degree version. This brings up a couple questions:

Would a lower-temperature thermostat have any sort of impact on the engine? Power/reliability/?

If a lower temperature thermostat would make things run better, why did Dodge choose a 195 degree model for production? My only idea here might be something to do with emissions.

 

[plumcrazy]

not sure on the viper but on my 98 ram 5.9 i installed a 170 in it at about 5k miles and 175K miles later it ran perfect.

not so sure on a high HP car with an aluminum engine though

 

[Jack B]

The thermostat only allows the engine to hit 180 if the radiator can force it that low. On a stock viper you will only maintain 180 on a cool day when at speed.