New thermostat require better cooling system?

[viperct2001]

Quick question.

If I install a 185 degree thermostat will that require better cooling system (i.e. better aftermarket radiator) to reach the 185 degree temperature?

Or does the new thermostat just cause the fan to go on more often, thus keeping the engine cooler. Of course, while cruising around town in 80 degree weather, the fan is already on constantly (and temp is 190-200), so I assume the new thermostat really only has an effect while driving on the highway.

Reminds me of women that turn the house thermostat up to 90 degrees thinking the house will heat quicker! LOL!

let me know.

Thanks.

 

[joe117]

Your thermostat is controling the temp if your car is running at the thermostat temp. That is, if you have a 190 in the car now, it will keep the car at least 190. If it goes above 190, then your thermostat is wide open and a lower temp thermostat wouldn't change anything.

 

[Ulysses]

Your fan turning "ON" is controlled by the Control Module. It's set at a hard 190 Deg. A better radiator in combination with the 185 thermo is a good idea as well as a new fan setup.

 

[SUN RA KAT]

I have the 180 degree thermostat and Roe radiator hoses and, of course, the Roe Supercharger. It pretty much stays close to 180 degrees even in hot weather as long as I go fast. If I slow down to 2 MPH to drive in a 4th of July parade, or 25 MPH to drive in a plat, or 35 MPH in a 35 MPH zone, then the temperature goes up to what it was before the 180 degree thermostat. Radiator is stock.

At Viper Days at Mid Ohio I stayed in 4th gear on the track - didn't need to shift gears due to the Roe Supercharger - and my temperature stayed below 195 degrees the whole time and mostly hovered around 185 degrees.