Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

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Russm21
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Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Russm21 »

I plan on installing a performance chip soon. My question for the team is not about which chip to purchase. Rather, my question is about what temperature thermostat would best suit a performance chip.

Living in SoCal, it is unlikely that I would ever drive my car in sub 50 (f) weather. It will be driven in mostly 70 (f) plus. When this is taken in consideration along with the fact that all performance chips advance timing I'm thinking a 75 (c) thermostat might be a good choice.

Throw some knowledge on me friends!
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by 635sharknose »

perhaps this topic is helpful to you:
https://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=31734
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Russm21 »

635sharknose wrote: Sun Oct 18, 2020 8:27 am perhaps this topic is helpful to you:
https://bigcoupe.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=31734
That's some interesting info. However, I am more interested in thermostat temperatures.
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Pod »

If you are only driving in 70+ temperatures, do you really need a thermostat at all?
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by 86_6series »

https://www.cartalk.com/content/you-sho ... thermostat

My understanding that the chance of running hot without a thermo is
caused by water not having a chance to cool when flowing thru so fast.

https://www.turbobuick.com/threads/can- ... at.319716/
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Pod »

86_6series wrote: Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:09 pm https://www.cartalk.com/content/you-sho ... thermostat

My understanding that the chance of running hot without a thermo is
caused by water not having a chance to cool when flowing thru so fast.

https://www.turbobuick.com/threads/can- ... at.319716/
In that case, one could construct some sort of restrictor in place of the 'stat to slow the water velocity - maybe just a 'stat body without the moving parts?
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Russm21 »

Pod wrote: Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:16 pm
86_6series wrote: Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:09 pm https://www.cartalk.com/content/you-sho ... thermostat

My understanding that the chance of running hot without a thermo is
caused by water not having a chance to cool when flowing thru so fast.

https://www.turbobuick.com/threads/can- ... at.319716/
In that case, one could construct some sort of restrictor in place of the 'stat to slow the water velocity - maybe just a 'stat body without the moving parts?
I know there are thermostats that have a small bypass hole in them. IIRC old Chevy small blocks were that way. Obviously, that was designed into the system.

My friend and I have a saying when it comes to doing any modification on our cars, "Don't try and outsmart a room full of German engineers." I wouldn't even think of messing with the thermostat on a stock built/tune. Nonetheless, I came across this article and it got me thinking (overthinking maybe?) about thermostat temps.

https://www.reischeperformance.com/WhyLowTemp.html

At the end of the day it probably doesn't matter but I do want to hear the experience of others. FWIW, my e30 is chiped and is running the stock thermostat without issue.
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Pod »

My friend and I have a saying when it comes to doing any modification on our cars, "Don't try and outsmart a room full of German engineers." I wouldn't even think of messing with the thermostat on a stock built/tune. Nonetheless, I came across this article and it got me thinking (overthinking maybe?) about thermostat temps.
I was just trying to answer your question and help out. If you don't want to hear what people have to say, don't ask!
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by 86_6series »

I didn't get the impression that he dimissed any advice at all--just my take.
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Russm21 »

Pod wrote: Mon Oct 19, 2020 2:28 pm
My friend and I have a saying when it comes to doing any modification on our cars, "Don't try and outsmart a room full of German engineers." I wouldn't even think of messing with the thermostat on a stock built/tune. Nonetheless, I came across this article and it got me thinking (overthinking maybe?) about thermostat temps.
I was just trying to answer your question and help out. If you don't want to hear what people have to say, don't ask!
Hmmm, I'm not quite sure what I said that you took exception to.
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by GRNSHRK »

I don't have any advice regarding a T'stat/performance chip combo, but I do have some thoughts about using a T'stat with a lower opening temperature than stock :-k

80 degrees C was stock in mine (MY80) but I went to a 75 degree until some years ago, the last time I performed coolant service :-"

And when running under normal conditions, the temp stays very low, to a point wherein I'm not sure that the engine fully reaches optimum operating temperature :-?

Of course, when idling and not moving, the temp does go up, which is fairly typical with these cars :roll:

The next time I do coolant servicing, think I will go back to 80 degrees [-(
:mrgreen:
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by clipper47 »

My 1985 635CSi with the OEM 80C thermostat runs at the same temperature with or without the performance chip.
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Russm21 »

clipper47 wrote: Mon Oct 19, 2020 7:46 pm My 1985 635CSi with the OEM 80C thermostat runs at the same temperature with or without the performance chip.
That's kind of what I figured. Thanks.
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Re: Of Performance Chips and Thermostats

Post by Tommys 89 635 »

I've had the Dinan chip for 20+ years and using a OEM thermostat. Car runs cool, the temp gauge usually stays at about 1/3.
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