One of the guys at Discount Auto said that it is unwise to switch to a 160 degree thermostat on my 91 Z28 unless I have done computer modifications. He said it will increase the density of incoming air and the computer will not be able to understand it causeing my air/fuel ratio to be off. Is this true?

 

not a problem here in florida! though I would recomend a 180 degree thermostat to be on the safe side?

 

I've heard the same thing, but I run carb'd motors, so I can't give you a yay or nay. The 160 runs fine in my car, but it does make the heat work a little less than good when it's 50 degrees out like it was today

 

160 degree thermostat will run fine... some people say these cars need to be at higher operating temperatures to work to their potential, but i dont even have a thermostat in my 94 formula, i run between 140 and 160 degrees all day and my car runs wonderful... 160 is fine

 

It might run rich and fowl up the intake manifold and all else. The computer might keep the extra fuel flowing to warm it up to the temp. that it knows as the normal operating temp. My two cents.

 

Word of advice based on personal experience....dont go by what the guys at an auto parts store say...most of them have little to know training whatsoever and just like to sound intelligent.

 

that warning is only if your car runs dangerously cold though

all a thermo does is make you car take a little longer to heat up

your car needs to operate at a certain temp to be optimal but if you want to stay cool when you need to I'd recommend a fan switch, great for at the track between runs and heavy traffic when your temp starts to sneak up

 

I have a 91 and run the 160 the computer will never know. the fans only come up when the chip says to anyways. and even then the o2 will lean things out at cruise

 

The 160 thermo is misunderstanding for getting the car to run cooler but as for adding fuel yes it will .......You have to relize since the motor is operating at the specific temps it should be you increase cylinder wall wear , Just keep that in mind lol./