thermostat help

HDguy · October 6, 2003

After installing a Putco stainless grill over the factory grill on my 2500HD 8.1/Ally, my operating temps are up, noticebly so on the tranny. Would like to cool down a little without going to flexi-fans if possible. Does anyone make a 180 thermostat for this truck? If not, is a 160 going to be too cold? I have stock progamming, and only mods are K&N and Magnaflow. Thanks

Shotgun · October 6, 2003

Dude I would loose the grill..It will affect your tranny temp also and thats not good if you tow anything...I am running a 160 degree thermostat without problems.

CMNTMXR81 · October 7, 2003

Go to Kenne Bell's website. That's where I got my 160 from.

If it doesn't make that big of a temp difference and you like the grill, then keep it, but if the thing runs well higher than normal, I'd seriously think about pulling it.

JimWilson · October 7, 2003

A 160 should be okay, provided you live in a place where having a heater is not all that necessary. But personally, I'd rather have the engine/tranny breathing properly, so I'd remove the grill.