I was told if you put a 160 thermo. in you will get the service engine light and the car will run better with a stock thermo. that was from a GM tech anybody ever get this???

 

SES from the thermo?? Nope.

 

That is not true. Only draw back I can think of would be longer time for your heater to heat up.

 

Does it make the car run better ??

 

cooler engine all around is better IMO, im not really sure of the HP gains on a cooler running engine, im sure somebody knows

 

cooler engine will not make more power, just fights off detonation. THats why i have it for spray.

 

Is there a brand better than another example: Mr. Gasket or Hypertech?

 

Ive been using the Hypertech in the hot Las Vegas weather for over a year without any problems. I recommend putting one in.

 

They are all the same, just make sure you get the right one

 

With everybodies opinions its hard to tell whats, what. I was told the car will reach peak power fully warmed up with factory set thermo. its what it was designed for, is that true?

 

With all factory programming and the engine staying 180-190, that might be true. The problem is that unless you are continually moving, the engine tends to heat up more than that and the factory fan ON settings are not until 226º.
If you wanted to leave the stock 180º thermostat in, I would at least have the fan programming altered so they would come on at a lower temp.
Here is something you can read that might give a little more insight.

 

Would you just take it in to a mechanic to get that done?

My Z seems to be running a lil too hot(just below the red, cooler of course on the highway, but it doesn't go under 200; or the needle stays right about in the middle.) Does that seem too hot to anyone?

 

It's not too hot per GM specs. If you want cooler operating temps, there are several ways you can change the operation of the fans. PCM reprogramming (either buy software and cable and DIY, HPP, send off your pcm and have it programmed, etc.), fan switches you can buy like from JET or SLP that will lower the temp the fans come on, or even make your own manual fan switch to turn the fans on when you want to.

 

I was told that a 160 therm will make your oil gum up and not be the right viscosity.

-Sean

 

That is definetely not true...many car run that cold at hwy speed for hours at a time.....from factory settings, the only disadvantages to installing a 160 are:

a. in the winter your screwed b/c it takes much much longer for the heater to work

b. b/c of the factory's setting w/fans no coming on tell 226, it conflicts and does not work as well as if you had the fans reprogrammed as well, but just the 160 is still better then everything stock....