I recently installed a 160º t-stat in my '02 5.3. My engine temp stays between 185º and 190º, according to the temp gauge in the dash. I think this is a tolerable operating temp, but I could be wrong. A lot of people on another board have been poo-pooing the 160º t-stats, saying they can actually cause the engine not to run right and whatnot. Here is an article that a member there cited:
http://www.speedomotive.com/cooling%20hints.htm
and here is the entire thread from the other board:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/...ad.php?t=448272
Is there any truth to any of this? Do I need to put my stock t-stat back in? Maybe Allen can lend his opinion in here.