Prior to getting my DDSRT, I had an SRT Challenger. I dropped in a 180 therm on it, but I also had a DiabloSport Trinity, so I was able to tune the cooling fans. Since there's no tuner yet for the DDSRTs, I'm wondering if the 180 therm will make a difference, since the stock fans turn on at >203 degrees. Would love some thoughts from the group on this one before I bother. Thx.
Should I go 180 or not?
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DinoAZ
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Prior to getting my DDSRT, I had an SRT Challenger. I dropped in a 180 therm on it, but I also had a DiabloSport Trinity, so I was able to tune the cooling fans. Since there's no tuner yet for the DDSRTs, I'm wondering if the 180 therm will make a difference, since the stock fans turn on at >203 degrees. Would love some thoughts from the group on this one before I bother. Thx.
Why did you put the 180 therm in your challenger? What is your concern on the Durango?
My take is: FCA engineers are smart. There is likely a reason that the cars come with 200 (or 203, or whatever) degree thermostats. My DDSRT runs like a scalded cat with the factory thermostat. I watch the gauges, and yes it runs hot, but it has not overheated. I don't know of any hemis failing due to oil failure.
Yeah.....in general terms heat is bad, but again FCA set it up this way for a reason.
So, unless and until I see (or hear about) a real issue with the factory thermostat and factory temps, a 180 degree thermostat seems like a solution in search of a problem.
My take is: FCA engineers are smart. There is likely a reason that the cars come with 200 (or 203, or whatever) degree thermostats. My DDSRT runs like a scalded cat with the factory thermostat. I watch the gauges, and yes it runs hot, but it has not overheated. I don't know of any hemis failing due to oil failure.
Yeah.....in general terms heat is bad, but again FCA set it up this way for a reason.
So, unless and until I see (or hear about) a real issue with the factory thermostat and factory temps, a 180 degree thermostat seems like a solution in search of a problem.
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I live in Arizona and you know how hot it gets out here. I was experiencing some "sluggish" performance with the Challenger on hotter days. Local speed shop suggested the 180 therm. It helped a lot. Lowered oil and engine temps on triple digit days. But like I said, I was also able to adjust the fan temps with my tuner and was more curious about whether adjusting the fan temp levels was necessary for the 180. Appreciate your feedback.
Your sluggish HP is due to Hot air, not coolant temp. Going to 180d thermostat won't "Fix" anything.
I live in vegas and know your pain. When it's 100+ there really isn't anything that can help you keep HP because the air is less dense and power suffers. On the plus side, everyone you're driving with has the same issue.
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You can tune the 18 and 19’s with HP tuners. I run a 180 degree thermostat. If you are moving or have the AC on, it stays in the 180 range. Only time mine goes above that is sitting in traffic and no ac on. Been running a year like that.
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Doesn't the HP Tuner require installer their PCM as well? That's what someone told me anyway.
The whole reason for the higher temp stats in modern vehicles is emissions. A hotter engine burns cleaner. Dropping the stat temp is an old hotrodders device. In practice the theory is that the engine will run a bit richer as the PCM thinks the engine is still warming up, so it richens the mix just a tad. Be careful and don't go too low or the PCM thinks that there's a problem with the stat and it will throw a code. Also lower temps are also thought to increase engine life. The engine is designed to work at stock temps for many miles without failure. Colder intake air temps are the best thing for performance.
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