I'm Lee. 2013 Sonic LT 1.4T 6A
- Thread starter BigLee
- Start date
ScarabEpic22
Member
No reason to do that, just change the t-stat opening temp in the tune and call it good.
Yeah, I know you can do that, but eventually it will burn out the heater in the stock thermostat's wax pellet.
I work at a GM dealership, and most of the 1.4 thermostats we replace are due to burned out heater elements.
I can only imagine they will certainly burn out in short order if used most of the time.
Plus, my mod allows you to drop below the 194 minimum allowed by the original stat.
I fitted a 192, but lower temps could be used too.
180 is typically the next lower step, but I didnt want to drop quite that far.
I work at a GM dealership, and most of the 1.4 thermostats we replace are due to burned out heater elements.
I can only imagine they will certainly burn out in short order if used most of the time.
Plus, my mod allows you to drop below the 194 minimum allowed by the original stat.
I fitted a 192, but lower temps could be used too.
180 is typically the next lower step, but I didnt want to drop quite that far.
ScarabEpic22
Member
It's not needed unless you're being limited by ECT on your timing. You can throw all the effort at it you want, please do as it helps the community out. I'm just pointing out the gains will be marginal at best and you might lose some fuel economy by running cooler ECTs.
Yeah, a couple of reasons.
First, several components on these engines appear to be pushing their limits on durability, the high operating temps and pressures are likely contributing factors.
Second, many rubber and plastic parts, such as wire loom, plastic tubing, ect. tend to crumble with age from such high temps.
Third, performance restrictions (ign. timing, boost) appear to take place at the higher temps.
And it's a 192 deg. thermostat, it's not like I'm sticking a 160 in there...
At 217F vs 192, I'd say it's a safe bet that ign timing/boost are being curbed some from optimum...
And I'd think that you'd be hard pressed to see a noticeable difference in fuel economy between those two temps.
In fact, it's entirely possible you may even see a slight gain in economy, if timing is being pulled.
This is a turbocharged engine with 9.5:1 compression ratio, with high operating temps, using hypereutectic pistons.
Not exactly the ideal combination for optimum performance on pump fuel...
Last edited:
Here's the t-stat I modded.
The modded 192 Stat will be glued into the housing with "right stuff" sealant to help keep in place, and provide a coolant-tight seal.
The original retaining clip can be clocked to retain the new stat.
This spare housing was a paid warranty part from work.
Perks of the job...
The modded 192 Stat will be glued into the housing with "right stuff" sealant to help keep in place, and provide a coolant-tight seal.
The original retaining clip can be clocked to retain the new stat.
This spare housing was a paid warranty part from work.
Perks of the job...
Last edited:
$ub$onic
The Sticker Guy
Following thisHere's the t-stat I modded.
The modded 192 Stat will be glued into the housing with "right stuff" sealant to help keep in place, and provide a coolant-tight seal.
The original retaining clip can be clocked to retain the new stat.
This spare housing was a paid warranty part from work.
Perks of the job...
I've been wanting to do this for years and haven't gotten around to it
Btw, if you unplug the heater element, it sends the coolant system into a freak out and it turns the fan on high all the time
Same with modifying the relay for the fan.
Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk
