Engines are meant to be operational at a certain temperature. Running an engine colder than factory specs may not be beneficial. What is the normal temperature range for our engines? Is the temperature on your Pcar going over?

 

Glad it's just the water pump which is not too uncommon of a replacement item. For further information on the actual replacement as well as the thermostat replacement click below:
Replacing Your Water Pump & Thermostat
The lower temp thermostats we offer are Wahler & MotoRad brands. This is a popular mod typically done before one embarks on the 3rd rad project.

Anyway, if anything, the info above will help with your understanding of what's involved as well as a good search here on 6Spd.

Mark/Pelican Parts

 

From what i understand, the higher heat was meant for emission. For reference the air cooled engine's preferred temp is 180. After this temp, anyone can start trashing the car.

 

Mine went at around 70K

 

Not sure what this means. It is general knowledge that longevity of the engine improves when oil temps remain in normal running range ie 210 or so during regular usage. This boils condensation out of the lubricant and allows it to function within it's optimal range. This in turn increases engine life and we are all happier. There is controversy over whether extra radiator or low temp thermostat actually result in lower running temps on the street. Do a search before you jump to conclusions here. For track use there is less disagreement. As for 180 degrees being ideal running temp I think you are confusing thermostat opening with oil temps. The thermostat will open fully at 180 deg. Maybe an oil cooled head stabilizes at 180, I don't know. Normal running oil temps though are considerably higher for the afore noted reason. Lower emissions is a side effect and a good thing for other obvious reasons.

 

My car runs cooler on the streets with the lower thermostat.

FYI, from what I read, Porsche decided to switch to water starting with the 996 since they had a hard time complying with ever restrictive emission requirements. The best way to meet the reqs was to increase the heat--thus, we now have water-cooled cars. Is it then that lower emissions a benefit or is it a goal? I guess it depends on our individual point of view. What matters is we all love Porsches.

Cheers!

 

Yes the operating temperatures (specifically cylinders, heads, and therefore running tolerances) of air cooled motors could be better controlled by water cooling. This lowered emissions. I am referencing oil temperatures. Maybe I am off topic but I don't think so.

Cooler running on street with 160 'stat has been reported. The question to me remains whether this is beneficial or harmful because of the lubrication issue I advanced above. Personally I want to see a stable oil temp of 210-215 and as soon as possible for the life of my engine. On NY streets even with hard running at summer temps I never see more than 240 and then for very short periods of time. If you are consistently running on street with oil temps below 210 and experiencing longer warm ups just consider the thinking of this Porsche lover as regards long term reliability. Even the latest and greatest grade 5 oils need to be run at optimum operating temps to control condensation and deterioration over time. Good luck.

 

Got my car back today with the new water pump. Running like new again and glad to have it back!

 

Glad it's back running like it should....enjoy!
Mark/Pelican Parts