Curious about the Hypertech 160 Thermostat. LS1speed.com recommends getting either the SLP fan switch or the HPP3 when installing the 160 t-stat. Are either necessary? I'm installing the thermostat simply in hopes of a cooler running engine on summer days. Any possible negative effects if I'm not using the fan switch or the HPP3? Thanks.

 

A 160 degree thermostat alone won't help the engine run much cooler. You do need either the SLP fan switch or the Hypertech programmer (HPP3).

With the fan switch, you choose when to have the fans run... flip the swtich one way, the fans are on low, flip it the other way, the fans are on high. And when the switch is in the middle position, the fans operate normally (stock operation).

With the HPP3, you can program the fans to turn on at whatever temperature you choose. So with a 160 degree thermostat, you'd want the fans to turn on at about 175-180 degrees.

In stock form, the thermostat opens at 194 degrees, and the fans kick on at 215 degrees.

I have a 160 degree thermostat on my car (it's a modified GM thermostat) and the SLP fan switch, and I've found this combination to be very effective... just dont mount the switch where you might kick it alot like my dumb self did, lol.

 

Actually it will, but only if you are moving.

 

Youre right, but you don't get the full effect of a 160 degree thermostat without the switch or the HPP3.

 

Invest about $20 and get the same benefits as the 160 stat and fan programming.
http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=180
http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=222

I did these 2 mods to my car and it now runs a consistent 175*.

Good luck
Dave

 

I did that thermostat mod.. well actually someone else did it and I bought their thermostat, but same deal... works quite well. Paying $17 for that modified GM thermostat saved me a bunch over the normal pricey ones.

I did get the SLP Fan switch though.