160F Low Temperature Thermostat = higher horsepower

[Jake Raby]

The 160*F Low Temp T Stat from LN was developed in -20F conditions, in Chicago.

The real difference comes from not just when the T stat starts to open, but the temperature that it reaches a fully open position.

I have used NOTHING else in my engines since 2007. If someone requests a factory unit, I request that they take their business to someone who isn't a developer, and will do whatever they want.

[pjq]

Haaaaaaa! when I did my rebuild a few years ago I used the 160 low temp thermostat from LN. It was because of all the advice I received and read from these forums and it made sense. It had nothing to do with the cold temps I live in or it could operate in, because my BOX has not seen snow nor is it ever going to see snow as long as I own it!
It is my daily driver from May through to November.
I think I just went for my last ride of the year yesterday when I did a 5 hr drive taking my daughter back to university. The car runs great. Daytime Temps are still above 0 Celsius up here in New Brunswick Canada but any day now someone is going to pull the plug and we'll be in a deep freeze.
HP - my S has all I need.

[winter.k]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

The 160*F Low Temp T Stat from LN was developed in -20F conditions, in Chicago.

The real difference comes from not just when the T stat starts to open, but the temperature that it reaches a fully open position.

I have used NOTHING else in my engines since 2007. If someone requests a factory unit, I request that they take their business to someone who isn't a developer, and will do whatever they want.

I have struggled to understand the lower steady-state operating temperature. How does the thermostat opening earlier (@ 160* F) actually lower the steady-state temperature, instead of just delaying it? The cooling system must have the ability to lower the temperature below 160*?

160* thermostat sounds like it has benefits, but what are the drawbacks? I'm sure Porsche didn't select 180* for their operating temp without reason.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by winter.k

I have struggled to understand the lower steady-state operating temperature. How does the thermostat opening earlier (@ 160* F) actually lower the steady-state temperature, instead of just delaying it? The cooling system must have the ability to lower the temperature below 160*?

160* thermostat sounds like it has benefits, but what are the drawbacks? I'm sure Porsche didn't select 180* for their operating temp without reason.

Think of the function of thermostat in your car as similar to the one in your home. It functions as a throttling device which restricts water flow if the coolant is too cool, opens wide if it gets too hot. Can the engine get above 160F? Yes, in fact the "steady state" cruising temp tends to settle in in the low to mid 170F range (which is way below the normal 205-210F with the OEM stat); but if the car gets caught in traffic, it will heat up until the fans kick in; but then when you get moving again, it drops back down to the 170 range.

After years of using them in my personal cars, as well as in customer cars, I have seen no "downsides". If fact, because the coolant also cools the oil in the M96/97, the oil temps tend to run much cooler, which also shows up in UOA's were the oil tends to show slower degradation over usage time.

[BoxsterSteve]

Originally Posted by winter.k

I'm sure Porsche didn't select 180* for their operating temp without reason.

For emissions reduction purposes as a hotter running engine produces fewer NOx pollutants.

Possible, but I'm unsure; may also have something to do with their being able to claim longer oil change intervals if oil is hotter and burns off contaminants more completely !?
At least in theory, anyhow.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve

Possible, but I'm unsure; may also have something to do with their being able to claim longer oil change intervals if oil is hotter and burns off contaminants more completely !?
At least in theory, anyhow.

Just the opposite is correct: as I noted above, years of UOA results say the lower temperature stats actually do more to help the oil live longer. The same UOA's also back up the fact that oil contamination (fuel and water) are the same with the 160F stat as they are with the 186F OEM unit.

[BoxsterSteve]

JFP,
Appreciate the clarification, thanks for the info.