Engine Thermostat, Low Temperature (begins opening at 160 deg F)

[Dr. Acula]

JFP, have you found any benefit to a low temp thermostat in the 9A1 engines?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Dr. Acula

JFP, have you found any benefit to a low temp thermostat in the 9A1 engines?

The 9A1 engines do not use a simple thermostat like the M96/97, they have a more sophisticated "thermal management system" which is electronically controlled. Would they benefit from running a bit cooler, sure, but how to do it becomes the issue.

From Porsche literature on the subject:

"The required changes to the engine consist of a single-slider map-controlled thermostat and a shut-off valve in the bypass circuit. The separation of the functions of coolant temperature regulation and bypass circuit shut-off offers advantages in temperature regulation and permits a heating boost in the warm-up phase with a weight-optimized design. The system in the basic engine consists of only 3 additional components(shut-off valve and bypass line with tube). With thermal management, the coolant throughput through the engine is completely suppressed by closing the shut-off valves in the early phase of the warm-up. This leads to faster warm-up of the cylinder head and liner. In the second phase, the shut-off valve is opened and the engine oil and transmission oil are warmed directly, reducing friction. "

[Dr. Acula]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The 9A1 engines do not use a simple thermostat like the M96/97, they have a more sophisticated "thermal management system" which is electronically controlled. Would they benefit from running a bit cooler, sure, but how to do it becomes the issue.

Good info to know, thanks! Along those same lines, then, do you have an opinion on the third radiator kit for the non-PDK 9A1 cars?

I have a 2011 Boxster S and I monitor the coolant temp with an OBD-2 Ultragauge. The coolant temps in this car vary as much as 20 degrees just driving around town, It freaks me out because my Toyotas don't vary near that much.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by Dr. Acula

Good info to know, thanks! Along those same lines, then, do you have an opinion on the third radiator kit for the non-PDK 9A1 cars?

I have a 2011 Boxster S and I monitor the coolant temp with an OBD-2 Ultragauge. The coolant temps in this car vary as much as 20 degrees just driving around town, It freaks me out because my Toyotas don't vary near that much.

Why din't you install the center radiator (from a PDK) car?
It is a simple and affordable option

[Dr. Acula]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Why din't you install the center radiator (from a PDK) car?
It is a simple and affordable option

Yep, that's exactly what I asked about. I figured I'd ask the experts before dropping $400 (plus shipping) on the kit.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by Dr. Acula

Yep, that's exactly what I asked about. I figured I'd ask the experts before dropping $400 (plus shipping) on the kit.

The $400 will seem very fair when you complete the installation and realize that it looks like it came that way from the factory, you'll enjoy installing it since every component fits perfect!

Edit:

PS, you will also need to cut open the molded slots in your inner fenders, to allow the hot air from the center radiator to exit ahead of the front wheels, a Dremel tool does wonders on the black plastic parts, or if you prefer, you can buy the inner fenders for a PDK car, that comes with the slots already open and just swap them up.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Dr. Acula

Good info to know, thanks! Along those same lines, then, do you have an opinion on the third radiator kit for the non-PDK 9A1 cars?

I have a 2011 Boxster S and I monitor the coolant temp with an OBD-2 Ultragauge. The coolant temps in this car vary as much as 20 degrees just driving around town, It freaks me out because my Toyotas don't vary near that much.

Because the third radiator adds considerable volume to the cooling system, it tends to dampen thermal swings. Things still change, just not as quickly.