URD 170 Performance Thermostat 4.0L

URD 170 Performance Thermostat for 1GR-FE 4.0L V6

Has anybody installed this yet?


Is it worth it for NA?


Seems like a fairly inexpensive mod that may benefit a little bit, not really sure though.....?


any thoughts?

 

Anyone who purchases a UCON ECU will get that. It lets the run cooler, so additional timing can be added.
A worthy upgrade to keep your engine farther away from knock, due to those cooler water temps. Basically a cheap safety mod.

 

ok thanks

nothing really gained though without the UCON, you think?

just asking because URD now sells the thermostat seperate.

 

Cooler engine temps equals to more power, as heat robs power. Good for all sorts of things. Keep your oil a little cooler. Good for towing. Good for when the geography is really hot. Good for being in the desert and having fun in the dunes...............

 

On a stock motor, a cooler thermostat does nothing as long as your cooling systems is working properly, even when towing. Think about it, if the radiator and water pump are working properly, then they will cool the motor as it heats up beyond the open temp of the thermostat, regardless of the thermostat temp. However, a motor with a modified tune would see a minimal impact as long as you tune the operating temp down to match, but you won't see much of a difference on stock motor.

 

Call and ask Gadget. Get the down low from URD themselves.

What do you mean by "tune the operating temp down"? Just want to make sure I am on the same page.

 

Most modern ECU have an operating temperature range. Until this time is reached, they are in warmup mode and the fuel and especially spark tables are reduced. I'm not certain about the Tacoma maps, but fuel and spark maps are optimized around 190-195 degrees. Per the Scangauge, operating temp for my truck is 193 degrees. If you install a lower temp thermostat and it doesn't allow the engine to reach 190-195, it will not allow the normal fuel and spark maps. Fuel economy may suffer because the engine still thinks it's "warming up." Again, I'm not sure about Toyota, but in my experience with other vehicles, you are able to bring down the operating temp to match the thermostat that you are installing. On my WRX, I installed a 170 degree unit and subsequently had a tuner bring down the operating temp. This helped immensely with fuel economy and drivability. My tuner made a point of saying that installing a lower temp thermostat without the need for it may actually hurt not help performance.

If you modify the ECU, ie UCON ECU, it should take this into account and allow lower operating temps if it adds timing for performance gains.

 

Ok. That is accurate and true.

With the Tacoma, it is 168*. Thus why the Tstat is a 170*. But even with the 170* t-stat on these trucks, the sensor is so far away (back of engine) that the ecu sees a higher temp than what is going on at the T-stat.

The back two cylinders run really hot comparatively to the front two. They are highly prone to knock, and are tuned with less timing that the front cylinder #1.

So with all of that, it is still a worthy upgrade, especially if you live in a hotter climate area. For those in the snowy areas, the 180* is still best because it helps get the engine warmer.

Higher engine loads, whether by boost or by towing, can/will increase water temps.

 

My FJ is ready to run again soon, meanwhile installed UCON and the cam gears, SPEC-U headers and 2.85" pulley. UCON Stage2 tune.

Now I wonder should I stay in the OEM thermostat. Here is cold at wintertime (normally between -20°F to 32°F). Is the heater enough if the coolant is 15°F less. It's been steady 185°C at summer and winter.

Normally I drive with CNG (130 octane), so knocking/pinging is likely not a problem.

 

You can certainly try the 170º. It is still going to functionally work the same. Heat coming through the venta will still be hotter than ambient for sure.