Real world TPI hp gains

[Johnny]

George M. Dailey wrote:
> 
> Decreasing inlet air temp(and intake manifold temp) will increase horsepower
> with no other changes, assuming the ECM is allowed to adjust accordingly.
> Has any one dyno tested a '89 350 TPI engine and then changed only the
> thermostat (195 to 150) and removed the hot coolant going to the throttle
> body to see the net 'real world' torque increase?  What do you guys think
> about an electronic controlled thermostat on FI cars?  Dial it low for fun
> in the sun power.  Dial it high when Jack frost is biting your head off.
> 
> It's my understanding that, too low of an engine temp is bad for the engine
> (long term).
> Higher engine temps give better fuel economy and other desirable
> characteristics for every day driving.  An electronic controlled thermostat
> could allow street roders to have the cake and eat it too... if the gain is
> substantial enough.

It would seem that you wouldn't want to vary the engine operating temp 
though... would you? The key is to have the engine hot as hell, and the 
induction air cold as hell. Usually the power increases as the engine 
temp increases due to optimum clearances, lower oil viscosity, better 
combustion, etc. Likewise, the power increases with the reduction of 
intake charge temp due to an increases in density. So cutting any 
heating to the intake is great, but you don't need to lower the rest of 
the engine temp to do it.

-j-