160 thermostat vs 180

One of the most talked-about topics when working on or making changes to a fast car is which thermostat set to use. By controlling the flow of water to the radiator, a thermostat sets the lowest temperature at which your engine can work. The 160-degree and 180-degree thermostats are the two most popular brand-new choices. But which option is best?

This blog will look at the pros and cons of both thermostats, talk about how they affect performance, gas mileage, and engine longevity, and include real-life comments from car fans.

How to Understand How Thermostat Works

It’s important to know how heaters work before we compare them. In your engine, the thermostat is a temperature-sensitive valve that decides when the water can flow through the radiator. The temperature at which a thermostat starts to open is shown by the number next to it, like 160 or 180 degrees. Most cars come with a temperature that is set between 195 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the thermostat hits its set temperature, it starts to open. This lets coolant flow into the radiator, which gets rid of heat and keeps the engine at the right temperature. The faster the coolant starts to flow and cool the engine, the lower the thermostat grade.

160 vs. 180 Thermostat Comparison Table

Feature	160-Degree Thermostat	180-Degree Thermostat
Operating Temperature	~175-180°F	~195-200°F
Engine Warm-up Time	Longer	Faster
Fuel Efficiency	Lower due to longer open-loop operation	Better fuel efficiency
Performance Benefits	Allows more aggressive timing	Good balance between performance and economy
Knock Prevention	Better for high-performance and forced induction	Moderate knock prevention
Cabin Heating in Winter	Slower, may result in colder cabin	Warms up cabin faster
Ideal Climate	Hot climates (e.g., Texas, Florida)	Versatile, works well in most climates
Requires Fan Tuning?	Yes, for optimal performance	Not necessarily

The 160-Degree Thermostat and the 180-Degree Thermostat can be used in temperatures between ~175°F and ~200°F. The engine will warm up more slowly or faster, depending on the temperature. The fuel efficiency will be lower because the open-loop operation lasts longer, but it will be better overall. The performance benefits will allow for more aggressive timing, and there will be a good balance between performance and economy. The knock prevention will be better for high performance and forced induction. The moderate knock prevention will be better. The cabin will heat more slowly in the winter, which may make it colder or faster. The ideal climate is hot climates like Texas and Florida.

Pros and Cons of a Thermostat Set to 160°

Pros: 1. Lowers Engine Temperatures: A 160-degree valve lets water flow more quickly, which can lower the engine’s working temperature. This is very helpful in hot places or performance settings where too much heat can be a problem.

Potential for More Timing Advance—If the engine temperature is lower, the spark timing may be able to be bolder, which can improve performance and power output.
Less Knock or Detonation—If you have a forced induction or high-performance engine, a cooler engine may help lower the chances of knock or detonation, which will make it more reliable.
Great for Hot Climates: Keeping the engine cooler can help it run more consistently and keep it from getting too hot in places like Houston, Texas, where summers can be very hot.

Cons:

May Keep the Engine in Open-Loop Mode Longer—Many current engines need to be in closed-loop operation to get the best gas mileage and control emissions. It’s possible for an engine to stay in open-loop mode if it gets too cool. This makes the fuel blend richer and the engine less efficient.
Could Change Cabin Heat in Cold Weather— If you live somewhere cold, a 160-degree temperature might make it harder for the heater to heat the house because the water doesn’t get as hot.
A lower thermostat won’t fix problems with your car’s cooling system if it already has them, like a radiator that doesn’t work well or airflow problems. It will only delay the start of warming.

What are the pros and cons of a 180-degree thermostat?

Pros:

Good Performance and Cooling: A 180-degree thermostat is a good compromise because it keeps the engine cooler than stock while still letting it hit an optimal working range.
Better Fuel Economy Than a 160-Degree Thermostat: It helps the car stay in closed-loop operation more regularly because it lets the engine reach the right temperature faster.
More Reliable Cabin Heat in the Winter—Unlike a 160-degree thermostat, a 180-degree thermostat makes sure that the water gets hot enough to heat the cabin properly in the winter.
Reduces Knock Without Overcooling—Many car fans say that a temperature set to 180 degrees is enough to stop knock without making the fuel blend too rich.
Lesses the Chance of Running Too Cold: Keeping the engine too cold can hurt the way the oil lubricates it and how well it burns. A 180-degree timer keeps temperatures in check without cooling the room too much.

One of the cons is that it might not be enough for some performance applications. Some drivers still like the extra cooling power of a 160-degree thermostat in high-performance or forced induction systems.
Less Aggressive Timing Potential: The engine runs a little warmer than with a 160-degree temperature, so the amount of ignition timing advance may not be as great as it would be with a colder setup.

[FAQ] 160-Degree Thermostat vs. 180-Degree Thermostat

Can I set the temperature to 160 degrees?

Will that make my car run too rich?**
Of course, sometimes. If the engine stays in open-loop mode for too long, it might run with a higher mixture of air and fuel, which will lower the fuel efficiency.

If the temperature is set to 160 degrees, will the engine knock go away?

If you have a high-performance or forced-induction engine, a cooler engine can help lower knock or detonation.

Is a 180-degree temperature better for daily driving?

Yes, a 180-degree thermostat is better for speed, saving gas, and making the engine last longer.

Do I have to reprogram my fans if I put in a timer that lowers the temperature?

Yes, for the best results. Your fans should be adjusted to turn on at lower temperatures if you put in a 160-degree timer.

If I set my setting to 160 degrees, will my heater still work?

Yes, but it might take longer to get warm, especially where it’s cold.

Is there a big difference in how well they work between the two?

Not really that much. A 160-degree thermostat, on the other hand, might let you set the time more aggressively and provide slightly better cooling in harsh conditions.

The Final Say

When picking between a 160-degree and 180-degree temperature, you should think about your climate, any changes you’ve made to your car, and how you usually drive.

Choose a 160-degree temperature if you live in a hot climate, have a high-performance build, and are prepared to adjust your tune and fan settings.
If you want a good mix of cooling, fuel economy, and engine life, along with less noise, choose a thermostat that is 180 degrees.

Remember that the success of your cooling system depends on more than just the thermostat, no matter which one you pick. Having enough oxygen, a good radiator, and working fans are all important for keeping engine temps down.

What kind of temperature do you use? 160 or 180 degrees? Tell us about your stories in the box below!