a 180* thermostat (180 degree) opens at 180 degrees instead of 192 degrees, which keeps the engine cooler, and since the engine runs cooler the air coming is heated up less i've heard that you gain only like 1 or 2 horsepower, but it's cheap power. The gears in your rear axle multiply torque. For example, the stock gears in your rear axle may be 3.08 to 1 (let's say for the sake of argument 3:1) that means that the driveshaft rotates 3 times for every one time the wheels turn, if you change to 3.73:1 or 4.10:1 gears (let's say 4:1) it now rotates 4 times for every 1 rotation of your wheels. All this said, what happens is that for every one rotation of the driveshaft more force is being applied to the wheel, but the engine is turning higher rpm's at higher speeds, this also gets you in your power band quicker, but reduces gas mileage because your cruising rpm goes up. For going fast, however, it's one of the best modifications you can make. I hope this helped a little! Good luck
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'84 Mustang 5.0 T5, FMS aluminum radiator & 180* thermostat, 1 5/8 shortys/2.5" duals, '88 GT tail lights and wheels, Holley 4160 4 BBL, smog pump idler, more coming soon
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