VX XE thermostat

[k.russell]

what size hole and whereabouts exactly does the turbo thermostat need drilling please.

 

Kevin R

 

black(but sometimes orange)-ali HPC

here

[EFA]

It doesn't need drilling.

[k.russell]

 

Kevin R

 

black(but sometimes orange)-ali HPC

here

[k.russell]

several posts in the archive suggest this is a good idea, has anyone else done it ? have run the 82 deg for a while i might add without a hole.

 

Kevin R

 

black(but sometimes orange)-ali HPC

here

[Foxy Smith]

I agree with Arnie, no need to drill.

[F355GTS]

Mine's drilled

 

Mark

[ECR]

And mine's not Although in earlier iterations it was.

 

I seem to recall Swindon's Gary Dunn suggesting it was a good idea on my engine. I can't remember exactly why but it could have been that he suggested it would give a slight bypass when the rear cylinder head outlet is blanked off.

 

It's been a long while ago and details are now lost in time and alchohol 😬

[Bob Simon]

Drilling the thermostat is an old trick to prevent a pocket of air from forming about the thermostat's wax motor and preventing it from opening. Most times this situation only occurs after exchanging fluids at service time. From my experience, the XE doesn't seem to need this modification, however if you ever service the fluids and have the car overheat just after, you might want to drill.

 

-Bob

94 HPC VX Evo III

 

[k.russell]

OK thanks, it has been a job i thought about doing when i had the water out, but it has been without a hole for a good while, if it is not necessary then i will leave as is.

 

Kevin R

 

black(but sometimes orange)-ali HPC

here

[Mavic82]

I have mine drilled, 1/16 in the flat section. It does two things. Firstly makes bleeding easy and prevents air locks. Secondly a small amount of water ciculates all the time so you do not get the huge cold water slug when the stat opens. Downside, in cold weather it takes a very long time for the engine to warm up.

 

Guy