160 thermostat FTRA

**Z28_Driver** · 06-03-2009, 06:59 PM

I'm considering the FTRA kit for my 2002 Z28. On the website it mentions it could make the car run hotter.
Has anyone had this problem? Or any other problems with the kit.
If I get the kit and a 160 thermostat will I need to change any computer settings?
Will it hurt my gas mileage, as this is my daily driver?
Thanks for any input.

**c5z28** · 06-03-2009, 07:07 PM

The reason it could raise temps is because it blocks off the top portion of the radiator, if you're sitting in traffic it could do that to you, but I don't know how hot and how long you sit in stop and go traffic w/ the a/c blowing. You can keep the stock thermostat, and just as personal prefrence the ssra is plastic and narrows so it does not block the radiator so much.
With that said I have the ssra and no problems, with many others that have both and had no problems either.
P.S Technically it should help gas mileage as the motor is now getting cooler air from outside rather then what is under the hood.

**fxgs** · 06-03-2009, 07:08 PM

Along with the 160 degree thermostat,you should also get your fans set to come on/off sooner than the factory setting. I have mine set at:
(#1) 184/175 and (#2) 194/175

**fxgs** · 06-03-2009, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by c5z28

With that said I have the ssra and no problems, with many others that have both and had no problems either..

And I quote:

The only reason we don’t recommend this kit (or the Fast Toys for that matter) on the WS6 or SS is that you have to block of the functionality of the ram-air hood in order for this system to work. Basically, it defeats the purpose of your ram air hood.

Thanks,
Angie
Thunder Racing Sales Team

**c5z28** · 06-03-2009, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by fxgs

And I quote:

The only reason we don’t recommend this kit (or the Fast Toys for that matter) on the WS6 or SS is that you have to block of the functionality of the ram-air hood in order for this system to work. Basically, it defeats the purpose of your ram air hood.

Thanks,
Angie
Thunder Racing Sales Team

You have an ss the op is a z28-thanks for that hollow excuse of a post

**Z28_Driver** · 06-03-2009, 07:20 PM

I drive mostly on the highway and in the country. very little city driving.
Does it cost a lot to get the fan settings changed? Where would I get it done?

**c5z28** · 06-03-2009, 07:27 PM

Frost is a sponsor on this sight, if you ask him i'm sure it wouldn't be much for such a small job.
Not that it is a big deal but the reason our cars run so hot is to let the cats run at optimum efficiency-this isn't a must thing and you won't "free" up any power from it.

**Z28_Driver** · 06-03-2009, 07:31 PM

That brings up another question.
As far as I know they dont inspect cars in Ohio, do I need my CATs?

**c5z28** · 06-03-2009, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Z28_Driver

That brings up another question.
As far as I know they dont inspect cars in Ohio, do I need my CATs?

If they don't you can take them off, the car will sound a bit louder (a bit stronger) they sell off road y's for 150 brand new, then you will need to turn off the rear o2's since they won't be of any use anymore. I can see this thread turning into an expensive project real soon

**Z28_Driver** · 06-03-2009, 07:46 PM

Isn't that how it always works.
I bought the car new and its not as exciting as it once was.
I figured some mods would be a lot less expensive than a 2010 SS.
Did the home depot smooth bellows and a shift kit so far.
FTRA, lid(my original is cracked) and maybe the thermostat in the next week.
Thanks for the help c5z28

**fxgs** · 06-03-2009, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by c5z28

You have an ss the op is a z28-thanks for that hollow excuse of a post

I apologize for offending your sense of well-being..............just trying to inform the masses

**robcas47** · 06-03-2009, 08:48 PM

definitely get the 160 thermo, I have the SSRA kit and when I got my tune I had the fans set for a 160 thermo even though I hadn't gotten one yet, I installed one three weeks later and it was definitely worth it IMO. It doesn't give any hp gains but now my fans don't come on after 20 minutes of driving when it's 70+ outside. My car is also my DD and every little bit helps in TN/KY heat.

**c5z28** · 06-03-2009, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by fxgs

I apologize for offending your sense of well-being..............just trying to inform the masses

Its just funny we all know he has a z28 and you bring that bit up

**c5z28** · 06-03-2009, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Z28_Driver

Isn't that how it always works.
I bought the car new and its not as exciting as it once was.
I figured some mods would be a lot less expensive than a 2010 SS.
Did the home depot smooth bellows and a shift kit so far.
FTRA, lid(my original is cracked) and maybe the thermostat in the next week.
Thanks for the help c5z28

Happy to have someone to listen to my "professional" opinion

**fxgs** · 06-04-2009, 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by c5z28

Its just funny we all know he has a z28 and you bring that bit up

Well in looking at some of the avatars, it sure looks like some of the owners of Z28's have installed SS hoods............might I guess you did not have your glasses on...................

**5abivt** · 06-04-2009, 10:32 PM

How hard to install a 16 stat? where is it located? I haven't even looked yet..

**c5z28** · 06-04-2009, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by 5abivt

How hard to install a 16 stat? where is it located? I haven't even looked yet..

it's on the left front of the motor-sorry I don't know how to circle it.

here's a link
http://www.lmperformance.com/581/1.html

**5abivt** · 06-04-2009, 11:07 PM

Thanks for the pic ! I see it there on the passenger side seems like it's bolted to the block. I wonder how much coolant will pee out I'm heading to the track tomorrow I'll try to track one down and swap it before I go.

**c5z28** · 06-04-2009, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by 5abivt

Thanks for the pic ! I see it there on the passenger side seems like it's bolted to the block. I wonder how much coolant will pee out I'm heading to the track tomorrow I'll try to track one down and swap it before I go.

Our motors like to run hot, you won't be freeing any hp up by swapping thermostats.

**SSTODD** · 06-05-2009, 07:39 AM

The government, EPA, CAFE like to run your engine hot, mine loves to run cooler and I never changed the fan settings because I never usually sit for very long. I can't remember the last time my fans have been on.