[Jeffy]

I live in hot Texas, and am interested in trying a 180 degree F thermostat for improving performance via cooler intake air charge. It seems this car doesn't use a mass airflow sensor, and I don't know how this computer reacts to changes. You know that your engine produces more power on a cool day than a hot one, so you can understand why I'm interested in this mod/idea. Today, it's 95 degrees F. Any time spent replying to my question is appreciated. -love, Jeffy.

[Andy@Ross-Tech.com]

Your engine responds better on cool days because the ambient air (that is both sucked into the engine and used to cool the intercooler) is cooler. This has little-to-no relationship with the coolant temperature. Using a cooler thermostat may prevent the engine from ever running in its "warmed up" state, resulting in worse performance, emissions, and driveability. My $0.02: keep the stock thermostat.

[Jeffy]

I know nothing about how this engine detects intake air temp, quantity, or coolant temp., cylinder head temp., or even exhaust gas temp. and content. Can you tell me of a good source of info on the MC engine controls? -Jeffy.

[Andy@Ross-Tech.com]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=2636026

[Jeffy]

I appreciate the time you took to give even the product i.d. ! It seems most people on this forum are trying to make the MCS even faster, but I will make my normally aspirated one fast. Maybe people will find that an interesting achievement. I only wish the engine was a lot more over-square (bigger valves and higher rev potential). -Jeffy.