So I was wondering if the 160 degree thermostats that I have been seeing are any good. Does anyone run them? Do they keep the car cooler? Are there any negative effects of running a stat that is 20 degrees cooler? 

I've got a 180 in one Loyale, and a 190 in the other.  I haven't noticed anything drivability wise.  160 I think would be too cool.

 

The car with the lower thermostat seems to have less heat for the heater in winter.  I'm surprised 10 degrees makes that much difference - but it's possible something else is messing with it also.

Theres a difference in heater performance between the 195 and the 180 tstats. Ive noticed this too. Dont use the 160, theres no reason for it and it can possibly lead to sludging and other crankcase issues. The fan turns on around 205ish degrees which means constant large variations in temps between idling and cruising down the road.

If your car is running too hot this is not going to solve the problem.

160 degree thermostats are too cold. There is a reason for everything a manufacturer does. If an engine runs too cold internal wear is increased, tolerances are way out.

 

On the same token an ea series engine has a cooler coolant passage on the underbelly of the manifold. Cooler is better for air/fuel mix.

 

A happy medium is the way to go IMO. 82 degrees (180F) is best for me. It means I can run a 88 degree (190F) sensor in the radiator for the fans and it only goes on during traffic on really hot days. And there is heater effectiveness.

 

But never lower.

 

Regards

Cool. Thanks guys!