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Performance Accessories

160F Low Temperature Thermostat (fits all M96, M97 models)

Did you know the factory thermostat doesn't start to even open until 186.8F and doesn't fully open until almost 210F?  Did you also know that the new '09 DFI engines run a 176F thermostat? Or how about factory Turbo, GT2, and GT3 engines that run with even colder thermostats from the factory?

We were sure surprised! In monitoring coolant temperatures, it's easy to find vehicles under normal operating conditions with coolant operating between 205-210F (or higher in localized areas of the engine), since this is the point at which the thermostat is fully open, allowing for the full flow of coolant to flow through the cooling system.

Our exclusive low temperature thermostat, featuring a calibrated, German-made 160F thermostat pre-installed in a new, OE Wahler thermostat housing and gasket, is calibrated to allow thermostat opening a full 20-25F degrees earlier than the factory thermostat. That means that the the low temperature thermostat is designed to be fully open by 180-185F, allowing for full flow to the cooling system to maximize cooling potential.

Also, little known is the fact that oil temperatures usually run 10-15F higher than coolant temperature in engines equipped with oil to coolant heat exchangers. The other primary benefit to lower coolant temperatures are lowered oil temperatures as well, due to Porsche's use of a laminar flow type oil to water heat exchanger! Especially important on Tiptronic cars! Tiptronic cars further benefit from reduced ATF temperatures, resulting in crisper shifts and extended transmission life.

Fits all 986/996 as well as 987/997 models to MY2008. Replaces Porsche part numbers 996 106 125 52 (53). Does not fit MY09 or later DFI or GT2, GT3, or Turbo engines.

We recommend using genuine Porsche coolant along with Motul's MoCool or Redline's Water Wetter coolant additives for best performance.

Available for purchase in the LN Engineering Online Store

Higher coolant temperatures can increase thermal efficiency and reduce emissions, sacrificing performance and longevity. The principle behind lowering coolant temperatures (regardless of application) is that a cooler engine will have higher volumetric efficiency. Lower temperatures will also allow for more timing without detonation since the ECU is capable of changing timing based off of fuel quality and temperature. This can result in higher horsepower and better fuel economy as well.

Although cooling fans are triggered by the ECU at higher coolant temperatures, while at operating speeds, there is sufficient airflow through the radiators to negate the fact that the cooling fans are not exercised as often. Models featuring the center 3rd radiator have even greater cooling capacity that can now be better utilized. The cooling potential is limited only by airflow across the radiators and unfortunately, in low speed operation, such as in traffic, the low temperature thermostat will be limited by the DME trigger of the cooling fans at temperatures well over 200F.

In low speed operation or when ambient air temperatures are excessive, additional 'mods' to trigger the cooling fans to come on earlier help to maximize the potential of the LN Engineering 160F low temperature thermostat. This can be accomplished by hard wiring the fans, as typically done on 964s and 993s previously or by using an aftermarket fan controller like that made by Dakota Digital.

Cold weather testing has shown warm up times are not affected nor is cabin heat affected even at 34F below zero (with wind chill)! Cold start and warm up enrichment provided by the ECU also is not affected by the use of our low temperature thermostat. The low temperature thermostat remains closed below the threshold of normal coolant temperatures allowed by the DME, so it does not abnormally affect operation or result in a CEL. Our 160F Low Temperature thermostat allows the DME to operate within its normal parameters specified Porsche, and gains in performance and reliability are measured in changes to ignition curves and fuel trims.

All engines sold and vehicles serviced by Flat 6 Innovations receive LN Engineering's 160F low temperature thermostat standard and our thermostats are used by many independent shops and Porsche dealerships around the country.

Dyno testing on a stock '99 Tiptronic 2.5L with 36,000 miles before and after installation of the low-temperature thermostat. 93 octane pump gas, K&N replacement air filter, stock cooling system. No other mods. Results - Peak Horsepower gain +5 HP, Peak Torque gain +5 ft/LB; Average Horsepower gain +5 HP, Average Torque gain +4 ft/LB. Weather correction factor same for both dyno sessions, best run from each shown. Run with low temp thermostat after allowing the DME to make adjustments with 1 week of daily driving between the first and second session.

Click here for a sample invoice showing what a Porsche dealership charges for installation of our low temperature thermostat.

Available for purchase in the LN Engineering Online Store

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2010 Pricing Schedule

Description 
Price
160F Low Temperature Thermostat & Housing $171.95

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Contact webmaster at info@LNengineering.com If you are having problems contacting LN Engineering, please email us at lnengineering@gmail.com, Copyright LN Engineering LLC ©2002-2010. *LN Engineering features a nickel silicon carbide composite coating similar in appearance and performance to Nikasil™, a trademark of Mahle Corporation, backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Porsche, Boxster, 356, 911, 914, 986, and 996 are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG. All other trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. This content may not be used for any commercial use without express written permission of LN Engineering LLC, and possibly other copyright or trademark owners.