Hypertech Thermo Master Chip/Thermostat

[Crucifix]

Hi All,
Anybody out there install this bad boy with the 160 thermostat on a 1992 LTI?
Any issues? Are you happy? Is it worth it?

Much appreciated,

Peter

 

[sothpaw]

Anybody out there install this bad boy with the 160 thermostat on a 1992 LTI?

I have a 1993, but yes, installed w/stat.

<Any issues? >
Yes. Minor. On dyno, causes more knock sensor activity which shows up as a bumpy curve where it was smooth on previous dyno. No extra hp or tq. Also, found out recently that the 160 stat will cause extra wear to the engine, some people think it's significant; also the stat will prevent the engine from burning off acid, some say.

<Are you happy?>
In a word, no. These chips S___.

< Is it worth it?>
No. Like flushing money down toilet. Waste & it clogs toilet.

 

[Crucifix]

Thanks for the info.

Peter

 

[Tuna]

I had the ThermoMaster in my 92 for years (94-2003). Can't say it made much difference in performance - I never dyno'ed it. Didn't hurt anything either. Probably not worth the money except for changing the fan turn on temps.
Since I installed the 160 stat at the same time as they ask, it did turn on the fans at lower temps which kept the engine cooler than the stock chip did.

What about now - modified the motor beyond the ability of the stock or the ThermoMaster chip to control it. Got a chip from FastChips.com out of Tulsa and I'm pretty happy.

If you want to lower the running temps on the LT1 and don't mind paying a lot of money for the chip just to keep the engine cooler, it might be okay. Otherwise, probably not worth the cost for a stock motor.

BTW, when my motor was torn down at 103K miles, there wasn't any measurable wear. On cold days, the coolant temp was never below 175 after warmed up and oil temps were usually 190+ -- I'm talking out side air temps below 50 degrees, as the temps go up, the coolant and oil temps went up but I never saw the 230-240 coolant temps any more that I used to see while stopped at red lights in Houston traffic. So, I didn't seem to have any problem with acid burnoff. Then again, my 92 is my daily driver and it gets plenty of exercise.

 

[Vettefan87]

Yeah I have one in my 87 along with the stat. I doubt it made any difference in HP, if so it was minimal. It does turn on the fans early at 175 degrees. If you are looking for performance then you will probably be disappointed, but just looking to cool down your Corvette you will be happy.

 

[Crucifix]

Thanks all,
I decided to go with 1984-95 GMP 195º Low Temperature Cooling Fan Kit
Part# 40416 from Eckler's. For $40 we will see what difference it makes. I have seen the coolant temperature get to 225 in the summer up here in New Jersey. Especially when I got stuck in traffic. That did almost pin the analog guage. I use it as my daily driver as well except when there is snow on the ground, then my babe hibernates.

Peter