installed new 160 tstat, now what should it read?

[sho89mtx]

i followed the post on here about the 160 tstat install and did what ZSHO said on there:
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,2758.30.html

no air came out at the end and tightened it for the final time and gonna let it sit and drive tommorow, but I remember when I had the stock one, it was reading about 190 degrees and it's past that already. What should a 160 tstat read on the coolant temp gauge with a SCT device?

[SHOdded]

It will not read any different really on a longer drive or in stopngo situations.  Short trips yes.  But the real benefit comes from a tune, because the PCM controls performance.  If the PCM does not know about the TStat, it cant take advantage.  A tune will alter fan behavior to take advantage and give you lower operating temps as you expect.

[sho89mtx]

I already put the unleashed tune from torrie for my 160 tstat and 3 bar sensor and the rest of my mods after installing both my 160 stat and 3 bar sensor

[AJP turbo]

You should look into vacuum bleeding...I believe that's part of the normal procedure for thermostat replacement in the service manual for this engine....Sometimes that's the only way to bleed the system thoroughly on some cooling systems...Sometimes you can get lucky...But if it's in the ford service manual that's what I would do

[ZSHO]

How much coolant did you loose?  Did you only swap the Stats or did you have the coolant flushed?
Its in rare circumstances that your system needs vacuum bleeding especially when minimal coolant loss is achieved.  Z

[AJP turbo]

If the thermostat housing is not the highest point of the cooling system and you open the cooling system then vacuum bleeding should 100% be considered.

[TopherSho]

Mine averages about 205 if it let it just sit and sweat it self if my driveway.  This is a reduction from 220 where it would be before. 

i have a 170 t-stat.

[sho89mtx]

Mine averages about 205 if it let it just sit and sweat it self if my driveway.  This is a reduction from 220 where it would be before. 

i have a 170 t-stat.

hmm, well i'm here in Oklahoma and of course the day I swapped and tested it was 103 degrees, so not the best day to test a tstat, but i got up to 205 on my temp after doing what everyone has said. Going to check the fluid right now in the morning after the car has sit and see where the coolant level is and measure the temps

[ZSHO]

Did you try to fully warm up the vehicle and then put it in Neutral or Park raise the engine speed. You're trying to get the coolant circulating as much as possible. Raise the engine speed by pressing the gas pedal just enough to get the RPM (2000 RPMs)for a few min with the Heater set to (High) while making sure the temp gauge doesn't exceed the half way mark.
Then try letting it cool down for 10 minutes and gently(slowly)open the reservoir cap to release any trapped air and re-tighten quickly. Z
(Due proceed with caution).

[SHOdded]

I would say the tstat is doing well.  Any cooling system is going to do best under highway cruise conditions.  There you probably could see consistent temps in the high 170s to mid 180s easily.  All depends on how Torrie's got the fan behavior set.  I would clarify with him.

Also track IAT and IAT2 temps coz heat soak can be a b**** especially in idling, wot, and extended driving conditions.  Get a feel for how your SHO is behaving.  Keep that intercooler clean.

[sho89mtx]

Did you try to fully warm up the vehicle and then put it in Neutral or Park raise the engine speed. You're trying to get the coolant circulating as much as possible. Raise the engine speed by pressing the gas pedal just enough to get the RPM (2000 RPMs)for a few min with the Heater set to (High) while making sure the temp gauge doesn't exceed the half way mark.
Then try letting it cool down for 10 minutes and gently(slowly)open the reservoir cap to release any trapped air and re-tighten quickly. Z
(Due proceed with caution).

yes sir, I did all of your steps and I think it worked. Checked this morning, still right at the max coolant line before I started the engine this morning, so didn't lose any. I'm just wondering when monitoring the coolant temp, when should I start to worry? It hasn't gone over the half mark, but it did say like 205 once during the process. Just want to know what is a temp the gauge shouldn't get to even in 103 temps outside with the ac blowing  before I start to worry is probably a better topic for this post

[ZSHO]

The temp gauge should not exceed the half-way marker but should stay right in the middle especially at idle and should fluctuate when cruising at highway speeds.
I can only attest to my 13 SHO with the Reische-170-stat.
How many miles?  staying on TOP of your vehicles maintenance aspect such as "fresh fluids" is crucial for optimum performance especially when Tuned. Z
I think its time to enjoy the ride my friend. 

[polskifacet]

if your coasting downhill for example you should see it drop significantly. i have seen mine go from 190 to 158 this way

[sho89mtx]

The temp gauge should not exceed the half-way marker but should stay right in the middle especially at idle and should fluctuate when cruising at highway speeds.
I can only attest to my 13 SHO with the Reische-170-stat.
How many miles?  staying on TOP of your vehicles maintenance aspect such as "fresh fluids" is crucial for optimum performance especially when Tuned. Z
I think its time to enjoy the ride my friend. 

OK, good point. I'll keep my eye on it and will do!

[SHOdded]

The temp gauge is still an "idiot" gauge on these cars.  It is not a precise indication of where the car is at any given point, especially once it is warmed up.  That is why it is helpful to keep track with Torque Pro, Forscan Lite, etc. or a tuning device.  Too bad you cannot get the gauge to display the actual temp as an option.