i was just wondering if any of you gurus could tell me what all of the (if any) tradeoffs would be if i were to put a 160 degree thermostat on my z, such as increased carbon buildup in my motor, increased emisions, lower mileage, or any other things that most people wouldnt think about.

 

my car took longer to heat up in the winter..

otherwise ... NOTHING

most of that stuff is myth spread by stupid mechanics that should not be working on cars..

 

carbon build up? increased emissions? Those must have been some really stupid mechanics to spread that crap around. I have a 160 in my car and it doesnt even take that long to heat up really. And once it gets warm.. you might as well turn the AC on.. the heater will cook you. Other than the temp of your engine being cooler (a good thing) and in turn your heater during the winter, the 160 has no adverse effects I know of.

 

Just an FYI on the temp change on the LS1. I'm not sure how many think the same thing here, but it makes since to me.
http://www.ls1info.com/article.php?sid=267

 

every engine was designed to run at 195... doesnt mean it makes the most power there..

dyno #'s prove this... track times prove this

 

http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=180
http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=222

These 2 mods brought my engine's temp down to a consisent 175*. I am in Minnesota and have no trouble with the 3 years of having the stat modded. I will admit that I don't drive the car in extreme cold though.
The mods also had the side affect of helping me (with a couple other mods) eliminate a problem with detonation/KR. Damaging and power robbing problems.
I am very happy with the mods and would recommend them to anyone. The high temps designed into the engine are there for to conform to emissions standards. The engine may or may not polute a little more running cooler... but it makes more power.
My .02
Dave