Thermostat— Water temp reading

Rickrey

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I recently purchased a 1994 Mustang Cobra. It has mild modifications, one of which is a thermostat change.
Per the invoices from the previous owner, a 180 degree thermostat was installed about 5 years ago.
When the weather is cool, the needle on the stock temperature gauge lays right on the lower mark of the gauge. The thermostat is working as the temperature comes up rapidly and stays on the lower mark (higher in traffic ,etc.).
The question— is this where the temperature gauge would normally be with a 180 thermostat ?
160 thermostat ?

Thanks
 

RossA81

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I think the gauges in these are not accurate. I have a 180 and it never goes over the "O"

I have an autometer water temp gauge to install over the winter...

Ross
 

ttocs

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the temp gauge on the dash is ran through the computer and dumbed down so it doesn't scare the driver. I have witnessed mine on the dyno getting hot enough that the ecu was pulling timing to try and cool the motor but the temp gauge was only a little on the high side.
 

CobraRGuy

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If you live in a mild climate, like anywhere other than Phoenix AZ, then a 180 degree thermostat is too cold. The ideal coolant temperature for efficient combustion is around 192 degrees. That should be what came stock in that car, and that's what I run in my '95 Cobra R. If your engine overheats with a 192 thermostat then you may have a cooling system problem. YMMV (your mileage may vary). 8^)
 
OP
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R

Rickrey

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Thanks all.
Cobra RGuy— I bought a new Cobra R in the summer of 1996. It had been on the dealer floor for a year. I think it was #141. Drove it 22000 miles before selling it in 1999 to a kid from Tennessee.
 

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