Running without thermostat
 

Anyone ever run no thermostat, I heard you run way cooler. Im in south florida so its always 80degree +, Im asking because mine needs to be replaced but im getting a new engine soon so i dont wanna buy a new one in the time being.

Re: Running without thermostat
 

Not a good idea for an EFI car. If your engine temp doesn't get above ~170-degrees, the car won't enter the base fuel & spark temperatures. Now if you're sure it will break the 170 mark with some margin (as measured by the ECT), then you might be OK, but even at that I'd still put a restrictor in to limit the flow through the engine.

Re: Running without thermostat
 

Yeah, if you have to remove the old one anyway, then why not spend the $6 or whatever it is and slap in a 180.

Re: Running without thermostat
 

I agree, if a new thermostat is going to break the bank, then you really don't need to try to get a new engine, I guarantee you that will cost at least a couple hundred more than you budget.... Theres always something you find that needs replacing or fixing that you didn't expect. :)

Re: Running without thermostat
 

I live in south tx, it's hot! i run a 160, i dont think that effects my performance as far as making power, it might make it run a little rich, i've used 180's and stock t-stats, the 160 allows me to make the most power.
when idling in the stageing lanes with my pullies and all, it will get up to the first line on the factory guage, and thats using a 2800 cfm electric fan.

I posted in another forum about my friends car overheating, even with a 160 stat, im thinking he just needs a nice aluminum radiator to solve the problem.

Re: Running without thermostat
 

The thermostat will cool water better by slowing it down so it stays in the radiator longer. If you remove the thermostat, the water just races through the radiator without getting a chance to cool. Race cars run restrictor plates to dial in the temp. It's basically a plate that fits between the manifold and thermostat housing with a hole in it. There are various plates with different size holes and racers will experiment till they get the flow of water just right. If you drive it on the street, stick with a thermostat. If you want your car to run cooler, get a 3 core radiator. The mustang interceptors ran them and they fit right in. You just need to fabricate mounts for the top of the radiator.

Re: Running without thermostat
 

I run a three-row radiator, stock fan and HD clutch and use a 195 stat (the good brass ones) and never run hot, even with the a/c blasting. My temp probe for the mechanical guauge is in the water neck and I'm always at 190. It probably helps to have the '93 Cobra pulleys or the factory pulleys, since most cars run hotter with under-drives since the water is not flowing as well.

Re: Running without thermostat
 

I live in South Florida and I don't run a thermostat, but I do have a restrictor. I run 185 running around town. Being in stop and go traffic for a long time the temp will jump up to 210-215. I have an aluminum radiator with a proform electric fan. That fans just isn't cutting it. It kept my little 302 cool, but not the 351. I just order a DCC 18" fan kit. It pull twice as much CFM. It should do the trick.