Thermostat question

[grinders_18]

Ok so with my chip I'm running a 165 degree thermostat, but the heat in my car is only warm, not hot...so for the winter time can I go back to the stock size thermo, or will it damage something?

[TGed]

Why not just run the 180 all year round?  That's what I do.  I would say your mpg will go down in the winter and being colder longer upon start up will cause for some premature wear (maybe) .

[grinders_18]

Then let me rephrase my question so it just cuts to the point: will changing the thermostat in any way positively affect the temperature of the heat of the interior?

I know I should make a seperate post for this question, but why would the heat be so dull warm? Not hot, but warm.

[TGP Nick]

Yes, a warmer thermostat will make a difference in heating that is most noticeable in our cold winters. 
On my 89 SE, the heat would only get warm and the temp gauge was barely rising, so I picked up a 195* t-stat for $5, threw it in and now the heat in that car will cook me.

[TGed]

will changing the thermostat in any way positively affect the temperature of the heat of the interior?

I know I should make a seperate post for this question, but why would the heat be so dull warm? Not hot, but warm.

To answer that totally different question, yes it will positively affect the temperature of the heat of the interior.  In my opinion, you can get best of both worlds far as performance AND interior (vent) heat with a 180 T-stat.  Also make sure you have the correct mixture of antifreeze & water.  Water is what absorbs heat and antifreeze lubricates and prevents freezing of the cooling system to occur.  Without the correct mixture you could experience poor vent heat and over heating of the motor OR no heat, cracked block, cracked radiator etc etc.

[grinders_18]

Thanks for the heads up. I went to Advance Auto and picked up a 195 degree thermostat for $6.96. Took me 3 minutes to install. WOW! HOT!!!! Love it! Although I am curious, for $12.96 I could have gotten what was listed as "SuperTherm" 195 degreee thermostat with a lifetime warranty; what's the difference?

[mfewtrail]

Your fan run times are set to a 160* thermostat most likely, so they will run more often with a higher heat t-stat on the same tune.

[TGP Nick]

Thanks for the heads up. I went to Advance Auto and picked up a 195 degree thermostat for $6.96. Took me 3 minutes to install. WOW! HOT!!!! Love it! Although I am curious, for $12.96 I could have gotten what was listed as "SuperTherm" 195 degreee thermostat with a lifetime warranty; what's the difference?

Theres no difference between yours and the more expensive one besides the cost really.  The one I bought from o'reillys was 4.99 and came with a lifetime warranty.

Glad you got it workin.

[TGed]

Although I am curious, for $12.96 I could have gotten what was listed as "SuperTherm" 195 degreee thermostat with a lifetime warranty; what's the difference?

It MIGHT have had a hole drilled into the T-stat for a beneficial reason.