Is 160 thermostat ok for stock 84 GN?

[tb3]

Wow, some really nice low mile 84 gn's on ebay right now. Anyways, I will be pulling the rad. from my stock 84 soon and having it rebuilt with a 4 row installed. I also planned on putting a 160 degree thermostat. Is that going to work ok with my stock computer? Is there anything else I should consider when I do this?

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I put a 160 degree thermostat in my 85GN with no problems. In warm weather and the stock radiator it makes no difference at all. This is because the stock radiator can't cool the engine. Thats why I went the F-body route. Brad

 

[HOTSIX]

Do youself a favour - get the alum. V8 F-Body rad. Plastic tanks and alum core. It cools way better and you know how much these turbo cars like to run cooler.

You will need an external cooler for your trans oil - the lines dont match up. Just clip the existing lines you have at the rad end and get some fuel hose to make the connection to run to the external tranny cooler. Use double clamps at the connections. I mounted mine on the A/C condenser - or you could mount it on the rad itself. Need to also pop out the rubber mounts on the lower rad support and move them further along to match up to the wider rad.

A company called Modine makes them.

The 160 T-Stat is absolutely no problemo. You should block the coolant lines to the TB also if you havent already. I just looped mine with a hose at the ports on the metal ines that run along the shield under the turbo.

F-Body rad rocks. Plus its lighter. Here are some pics:

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

I put a Modine 951 F-body radiator on my 85 no problem. My trans lines were flexible enough to line up just fine. I did have to make a bracket to hold down the drivers side of the radiator sisnce the Modine is longer. This is really easy if anyone wants to know how let me know. This modification really works and I am still using the mechanical fan and shroud. Brad

 

[tb3]

I guess you guys have all tried the 4th row installed into a stock gn rad? And that doesn't keep it cool? Will I be able to use my stock fan shroud with the modine? I know that electric fan is better way to go, but wanted to keep the car stock as possible. Since I plan on keeping the car now, I just want to keep up really good preventive maintance on it, and update some of the things that will help it run/last longer, Like making it run cooler. If the F body rad doesn't require to much modification to install, or doesn't look to out of place, then that is most likely what I'll do.
This website Rocks! I really appreciate all you guys replying when I post. I would have killed to have this kind of information at my fingertips 12 years ago when I had my 84 t-type.

 

[tb3]

I just read the thread labled F body radiators on the general turbo information area. I guess that answers all my questions. I guess I'll do the F body rad. replacement. Thanks again guys

 

[BRAD_PADGETT]

Turbobuicdrk2. Before you jump I would like to let you know the 84/85 mechanical fan and shroud work with the Modine f-body. radiator. The f-body radiator is about 5 inches longer and you have to move the lower rubber mounts to accomodate it. The radiator is longer on the drivers side. The next issue is how to hold down the drivers side on the new radiator. I went to the junkyard and got an 87 v8 Cutlass radiator hold down plate and cut it off on the drivers side. It bolts right on and holds the radiator in place. I can send you a PIC as well. Brad

 

[tb3]

A picture would be awesome! When you get time though, don't go out of your way. Thanks

 

[Squid4life]

TB2~ shoot me a PM with your mailing address. I have a brand new in the box 160 stat from when I was hot air. I bought it to install but previous owner had already swapped it out. And they are not the same as the IC'ed, so its yours if you want it. I think the gasket is in the box too!?