170 or 190 Thermostat Tuned 5.0
 

How many TUNED 5.0's are running their Tunes with the stock 190 thermostat and why? And how many are running the 170 Thermostat Tuned and why? other words is your tune written for the thermostat your using and are there any negative effects using a cooler thermostat? interested in N/A 5.0's. I live in the south so not as cold here.

I run a 170* t-stat now while tuned. Operating temps used to range from 195*-206*, now the range is 185*-195*

Do you DD this truck mostly and are you concerned that when its cooler out that the truck will not warm up properly and pull more fuel and leave the oil not at the right viscosity, possibly causing some damage? What tune and who's are you running?

Zero worries, truck still reached normal operating temps in winter. I have tunes from 5 star and MPT and yes I DD the truck.

sub'd. im still on stock as I thought that only the tuned eco's were putting in cooler thermos. i run 199-203 when at full operating temps.

not sure how a 170 vs a 190 wood efect running, but this past winter in oregon we had 7 days post snow storm of blue bird sun but temp never past 28* F, and though i gave my 5.0 about 10 minutes to warm up that would put me on edge just a hair.

I did mine mainly because I go to the track from time to time and just wanted to keep the between runs heat under control.

This is what i thought most do who run the 170. I ran mine for about a couple years off and on between winter and summer. I kinda got tired of switching it out and left it in one winter. Then of course went back to stock for well over a year now due to the oblong cylinder bore distortion aka (the knock) early 5.0's have. I was diagnosed and a new short block was installed about 2 months ago. My truck started knocking at about 26,000 until replacement at 52,000. I now have about 2,000 on the new short block and running perfect. I never go to the track just mixed driving on a daily basis. So really wondering how many really need and get the benefit of cooler temp and probably some that may not need it, depending on use, tune and location. Here is what Reische says about their 170 T-stat http://reischeperformance.com/FG5data.html

Ok, so your tune and fan settings are for the stock 190 thermostat and you have pretty cold winters. So you never get any ping or audible knock? have you data logged or checked with your tuning device to see your knock numbers especially in the summer?

Anyone else? I know there are a lot more tuned 5.0's, just curious how many are running performance tunes on the stock thermostat with those fan settings.

I put a 170 in my truck and had the tune modified for it, cylinder head temps on the stock tstat were 210-215, and with the 170 tstat they are 185-190. My heat comes out of the vents at 180 so I leave it in all year long.

I installed the 170 tstat in my 5.0 because of the poor coolant flow at the back of the cylinder heads that has been found to cause issues on cylinders 7 & 8 in 5.0s that are run very hard with aggressive tunes, nitrous, or forced induction.

Thanks to those that have replied. Maybe I need to move this to 2009-14 section? I know there are others that if you don't mind please chime in on this topic and why ? Thanks in advance!:thumbsup:

I'm pretty sure the vast majority are running performance tunes with the stock thermostat....

Are these your coolant temps on the X4? and was the 195*-205* tuned stock thermostat? I am seeing up to 215 on my coolant temps idling, 190* stock t-stat. 90 degrees outside with humidity.

Yes those are temps on livewire device. Mine would get up to 210*+ at times idling. Not after t-stat and re-tune though

2014 F150 5.0 with an MPT 93 octane performance/street tune and the stock thermostat. Temps hover around 201-206 degrees. Last summer I towed a completely full (floor to ceiling) 6X12 U-haul trailer with an MPT 91 p/s tune and 211 was the highest temps I saw on my SCT Livewire. 400 mile trip with half of the trip on San Angelo's crappy 91 octane Exxon gas and 93 octane Exxon gas for the rest of the trip. Yes, I towed with my performance tune. No issues with overheating/pinging and it was HOT (low 100's)!!! Also half the trip was through the Texas hill country including the Garner State Park area. Lots of hills and many 3rd gear pulls up the hills.

That is very impressive in that kind of heat. I am already past that no towing.

It took a couple of revisions to get the tune right but I think it turned out pretty good. Still I think I'd prefer it if the engine operated about 10 degrees cooler. Just seems weird that these engines run such a high temp stock.

Since you live in Texas and do a lot of towing you may be better off with a cooler thermostat and update your tunes for that. Your numbers though on a stock look better than i would have thought.

Yeah i'm pretty happy with how the temps held during that trip last year. I haven't really done enough towing to merit changing out the thermostat quite yet. Truck only has 14k miles on it. It's gonna be another hot summer so I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the temps and play it by ear. If not done sooner, I'm definitely gonna change to a lower thermostat when I do a coolant change at about 50K miles.

I am running the 5 Star 87 octane Perf/Tow 170* tunes. My coolant temp runs 183*, unloaded, pretty consistently. I towed my travel trailer (~6000#) about a month ago, but didn't monitor the coolant temps at that time. My trans temp was ~196* (cluster display), though, and I was getting about 1-1/2 mpg better towing than with the stock t-stat/ previous 87 P/T tunes. I can definitely feel a power increase with the 170* stat/tune combo. I haven't really noticed any loss in heater output and am not concerned, as winters are pretty mild here and I never run it at max anyway. I'd say, if you live in Texas, "Go for it!"

Thanks for the info. Next time you tow please keep an eye on the coolant temps and report back. I'm really liking the temps you posted. It was 109 in S. Texas today and my truck sounded like a damn jet, my electric fans were spinning so fast!!

Ever data log that tune? If so how does everything look good?

Honestly man. You are overthinking the whole thermostat thing. Try it, if it's not what you thought move on. It's a $40 investment. I feel as if you'll like the benefit of cooler temps IMO

Thanks blue5.0, I do have a 170 t-stat and have used it. I do like the cooler temps, you sir are right. I was curious about the 170 vs people running the stock one and how it does too as far as tuning goes. I was kinda told it was a must for running tunes, but i now think it depends on how heavy modded one might be and how aggressive the tuning is. Just looking for peoples feedback. I have had some gear heads say that running a cooler one may actually hurt more than help on the warm up conditions. Some say the cats are affected. I would say people out west in more extreme conditions would definitely benefit more with tuning and fan settings. especially a ecoboost. I have tunes set up for both, the stock most recent being. That is why i started this thread and the data log thread to see how much or many even do it or use it to their benefit. Towing will definitely make a difference. Just trying to learn a little more about those 2 topics. thanks again for you contributions too, I hope I haven't got on anyones nerves.

Gotcha. Definitely not on my nerves. These are great topics. I just thought you were nervous on pulling the trigger on a $40 part that takes a few minutes to install. I've been really happy this summer, being the first summer with the 170* t-stat. I haven't seen temps above 191*. Even when it has been 97-98*

I monitored coolant and cat temperatures yesterday (unloaded) while at 91* ambient temp. Idling at a light and slow city driving, I saw ~ 1000* at the cats and a max of 1400* on the highway at 65 mph. My coolant temp remained consistent at 183* (a/c on); only fluctuating a couple of degrees cooler at one time. I never really monitored the cat temps too much before, but I want to say they might be ~100* or so cooler. Don't hold me to that though.

Thanks for that information. I have a x4 is that how you checked yours? Or using the live link with laptop choosing that PID? This is really a good way to see if their is a real difference on the cats. thank you sir. If your a/c was on then the fans run more too because of that, but your coolant temp was consistent holding at 183*:thumbsup:

I was using a Bluetooth dongle and android Torque Pro app on my phone. I have Torque Pro, ForScan, and Auto Enginuity on my laptop, as well. I could data log with any of these, but use my phone for a convenient way to monitor live parameters. I keep the dongle in the little cubby in the dash.

I am due to get myself a smart phone, Is the android more user friendly than say a I-phone? As far as the Torque Pro app goes?

I have never had an I-phone, so I can't vouch for that. I haven't really had any issues with the android operating system on my Samsung phones, in general or with the app. I recently added a companion to the app that allows it to alert to spark knock and degree of timing retard when it occurs. The 5 Star tune seems to working well to keep my timing within safe, but efficient, limits for my chosen octane rating. When I get a chance, I am going to try some 89 octane fuel and see how it plays with the current tuning.

Im sure a Samsung will be less expensive than a I-phone, so I plan on looking at one of those. I refuse to pay $800 bucks for a phone, lol! I do have some apple computers, but a phone is something you can lose, break or just quit working, being so small and mobile so definitely rather spend the extra money somewhere else.

Does anyone have a part number for the 170 thermostat? All I can find are the 194, 187, 160 and 140 degree thermostats. Can I get away with a 160? I did find a 170 degree thermostat online at Napa for under $6. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/MRD170

Here you go http://reischeperformance.com/#anchor
Its called a FORD 50 and i think MPT tuning sells them pretty reasonable.

Thermostats are set by the OEM for a reason.
 

My F150 was designed to run @195 degrees so when I recently changed it I stayed with 195 degrees for that reason. I have a tuner and cold air intake and that has nothing to do with the thermostat. Running your engine too cool will result in carbon buildup which is from what I read already a problem around the plugs on the 5.4 3 Valve Triton engine so why would anyone want to compound the problem thinking they are gaining something from running their engine below specified temperature? In the heat of summer I run mid grade and premium to eliminate any pre-ignition issues that arise from a warmer air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber. I can see making common sense modifications to my truck that enhance performance and possibly improve fuel economy but I tend to stick with the OEM research and development when it comes to things that ultimately would be detrimental to both performance and longevity of my vehicle, that being said, to each their own.

This is somewhat confusing. You stay with the 195 t-stat b/c that's how it's designed but yet you have your truck tuned. Your truck was also designed with specific shift points, fuel mapping, timing etc.

Even more confusing is the fact that I commented on a 5.0 thread when my truck has a 5.4, I drove a 5.0 all aluminum XLT and it was sweet but not sweet enough to take me away from my 2010 Harley Edition which Ford no longer makes. With my tuner shift points default to factory unless I decide to change them, fuel mapping is altered so it no longer feels like you put your foot on the brake when you let off the accellerator, timing is still subservient to the knock sensor but set up by fuel type selection. It's been a while since I plugged my tuner in but I don't recall any option for selecting a lower engine temperature. What are the potential benefits of setting up your engine to run at a lower temperature? I am aware of the possible problems that can arise in regard to carbon buildup but maybe I'm missing some potential gain.

Your answer
 

Really aggressive tuning and heat, Probably?

http://reischeperformance.com/WhyLowTemp.html

I have tunes setup for both thermostats in case I have the need to run the cooler one. right now I am running the stock t-stat and all seems fine. I do run 93 octane all the time in my truck. We have had a mild summer this year.

Potential harm VS Potential benefits?
 

Thank you for the link Koolponycar.


Most if not all cars today are equipped with a knock sensor that will sense detonation and automatically retard timing when it is sensed. I suppose its possible that some tuners might defeat this feedback loop, I'll leave it up to the imagination what problems that might cause if you're an individual that typically likes to push your vehicle to the limits. Running premium gas would help but the average $0.60 per gallon from 87 to 91 Octane has no basis, it's admittedly where they gas retailers have figured out how to extort more money from people with performance cars. When weighing the potential benefits of running a colder thermostat I'm still going to stick with the OEM temperature range but my tune is probably mild compared to some, I still view my truck as very nice basic transportation and I'm not interested in racing or impressing anyone at this point in my life.


One thing the article you posted left out as a potential pitfall to running too cool is the potential for carbon buildup on valves from inefficient combustion which is one area the reduction in fuel economy comes from, the other is the air fuel mixture.


It's a good thread and a reminder that when we do one thing that alters OEM specifications there are other things that might be effected so its best to do your research before you proceed.

Yep the gas is on the rise again, luckily I don't drive far and a lot of miles but If it gets too high I will go down to a lower grade, i have 87 tunes also. I think the 170 can have benefits to those with more engine mods than the basic stock truck and those things you listed about carbon are a real concern. The article also stressed about the effects on the oil viscosities as in the winter when it does get cold take a look at what a catch can will collect for those using them. It really looks like watered down mudd in the winter. Im sure up north it will really collect a lot.