thermostat question

[1994MTX]

i'm thinking about removing the thermostat to get lower underhood temps and gain some power.
is this safe for the sho engine, or a bad idea?

 

[sdpatt]

Bad idea. Even a thermostat that is leaving a small crack for the flow to pass will not allow the engine to reach normal operating temperatures under many driving situations. Removing the stat will absolutely prevent the engine from ever reaching the normal temperature range and result in operation in open-loop mode that will give high fuel useage, low mileage and high emissions. Don't do it.

 

[twr]

You can get a 180deg thermostat - its only 12deg cooler than stock - but it does help. Removing the thermostat is definatly not a good idea. The pcm/eec runs the car rich until it sees 160 degrees - if it doesn't get above 160, it will continue to run rich. It will eventually plug your cats and foul your plugs - amoung other things.
Terry