Z34-5speed Posted June 14, 2006 Report Posted June 14, 2006 How hard is it to change the thermostat and would it give any better performance if i went with a lower T-stat? Kyle Quote
SigEpCutlass Posted June 14, 2006 Report Posted June 14, 2006 I'm not sure about the LQ1, but changing one on a 3100 isn't fun from what I've heard. The lowest temp T-stat that would be appropriate with your mods is 180*F. Hypertech sells some relatively decent priced lower temp T-stats. I have one from Summit Racing that I've yet to install. Quote
digitaloutsider Posted June 14, 2006 Report Posted June 14, 2006 The LQ1 isn't as difficult as the 3100/3400, but the 91-95's can be somewhat of a PITA because of the manifolds/TB. When I wanted a lower thermostat for the Regal, I just went down to the local AutoZone and picked one up for $4. Quote
LumiDriver Posted June 15, 2006 Report Posted June 15, 2006 I'm not sure about the LQ1, but changing one on a 3100 isn't fun from what I've heard. The lowest temp T-stat that would be appropriate with your mods is 180*F. Hypertech sells some relatively decent priced lower temp T-stats. I have one from Summit Racing that I've yet to install. OMFG I hated doing the T-stat in my 3100!!!! OMFG. It took 6 hours. i don't think that the T-stat on the LQ1 is as hard as the fuckbox. Quote
Psych0matt Posted June 15, 2006 Report Posted June 15, 2006 its not so hard, just kinda hard to get tools positioned correctly if i remember right. I put a new one in while the engine was out! Quote
GnatGoSplat Posted June 15, 2006 Report Posted June 15, 2006 Huh, I didn't enjoy changing the T-stat on my 3.4 DOHC at all. I don't remember why since it's been a long time, but I thought more had to come off than just the T-stat housing. I thought it took me a couple hours when a 2.8/3.1 T-stat just takes a couple minutes. Quote
19Cutlass94 Posted June 15, 2006 Report Posted June 15, 2006 Changing it on the 3100 sucks! Thats why I did it when I did the gaskets. I doubt youll see very much 'performance' from just changing the thermostat to a lower one. Quote
SigEpCutlass Posted June 15, 2006 Report Posted June 15, 2006 The difference you'll see will just be that your engine will run cooler than stock. If your engine were producing significantly more power and probably more heat then stock, then it'd be more noticible. Quote
19Cutlass94 Posted June 15, 2006 Report Posted June 15, 2006 Hes a quote taken from 60*v6 about this. I'm going to keep this short, because its a simple concept. For years people have been spreading the word that a 160 stat will cause problems. This is true, as it hurts gas milage and MAY cause the cylinder walls to wear faster due to less expansion. If your fan turn on times aren't matched, it can allow a cycle of 160 to 220 degrees back and forth, which will contract and expand the cylinders. However, there is a myth in here as well. Open loop operation does not care if you have a 160, 180, or 195 degree stat. Closed loop is based on exhaust temp (O2 sensor working properly), coolant isn't below freezing (i have to look up the exact temp again...its really low though), and the time the car has been running. Quote
per0781 Posted June 15, 2006 Report Posted June 15, 2006 lowest i would go with is 180. and plus for the 160 to be worth it, you'd have to get the fans temperature setting lowered. Quote
93z34 Posted June 16, 2006 Report Posted June 16, 2006 nice to know there's no need for fuckin with that on my car.... btw kyle... thx for the CAI directions Quote
Z34-5speed Posted June 16, 2006 Author Report Posted June 16, 2006 No problem. I had thought that changing the t-stat was a simple and easy mod, i was wrong. I will now spend my money elsewhere. Thanks for all the good info. Kyle Quote
GIANT MOTH Posted June 17, 2006 Report Posted June 17, 2006 A change on the 3100 is easiest dam thing in the world especially if you have flex pipe all the way around. Save your money for more parts. You need newer better parts for your car. New parts. Shiny new parts. Quote
birdman Posted June 17, 2006 Report Posted June 17, 2006 im going to have to go against the grain about changing the t-stat on the lq1 being hard. as long as you can use a rachet and socket its that easy. took me about 20 min to do my first and second one. i went with a 160 because i notice a considerable amount of heat soak on my lq1. it alawys runs best around a 1/4 or below. (not cold obvisoly) i also have my fan hooked to a switch so i can keep control of when the fan turns onn and off too. just FWIW. Quote
Z34-5speed Posted June 17, 2006 Author Report Posted June 17, 2006 I like the fan switch thing. Think you could post up some directions, for the fan switch and t-stat? Kyle Quote
SigEpCutlass Posted June 19, 2006 Report Posted June 19, 2006 A change on the 3100 is easiest dam thing in the world especially if you have flex pipe all the way around. Care to tell us this huge secret that you have? Most anyone else will tell you it's ridiculous to change the T-stat on a L82... Quote
19Cutlass94 Posted June 20, 2006 Report Posted June 20, 2006 Hes saying where the x-over on the exhaust is he put a flex pipe there..... Quote
THe_DeTAiL3R Posted June 20, 2006 Report Posted June 20, 2006 3100 - just take off the TB (a couple bolts) then it's easy. Yes it's more parts, but in the end it just may be faster, and definatly less of a pain in the ass. Quote
94CutlassXtreme Posted June 20, 2006 Report Posted June 20, 2006 Putting in a lower temp t-stat doesnt guarantee lower operating temperatures. It is however cheap insurance against running hot and overheating. A 180 stat will start to open at 180 and be fully open by 200, where as a 195 will start to open at 195 and fully open by 225. Quote
Z34-5speed Posted June 23, 2006 Author Report Posted June 23, 2006 How much do you think a good mechanic would charge to install a 180* stat on my 92 Z? This guy does all the work on my Z34s. He has done a good job so far, only place that was better was the local Chevy dealer but i dont wanna get raped again by their labor prices. Kyle Quote
birdman Posted June 24, 2006 Report Posted June 24, 2006 do it urself trust me. its like 10-15 min job. too easy. its basicly two bolts on a lq1. Quote
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