is the 82c-85c thermostat readily available off the shelf or do you have to modify the insides of the current 105c thermostat housing?

will installing the lower temp thermostat have any adverse effects on the emissions come MOT time?

Take a look in this thread, http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic13318.html

There is 88 degree one that is a bolt I used a Vema branded version that I got from Amazon.

Last edited by Jamiehol on 11th Aug 2016 5:46pm. Edited 1 time in total

(link doesnt work )

Link fixed.

Also here it is on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vemo-V20-99-0161-...B00HAH8AU8

Not as cheap as the modding route.

@jamie

It says that part doesn't fit our 4.4 v8 engine?

I am assuming that is due to Amazon looking up the official engines it is listed as fitting on a compatibility checker.

It does fit as got one bolted to my fullfat, just don't have the electric element to it. If you look at the forum post I linked to you should see all the details.

For your info, I fitted this kit.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182213968616
You basically remove your stat housing..and saw away the arms that hold the built in thermostat away, and fit the spacers, , and a supplied 'normal shaped' 80 deg stat. Along with a slightly diffent bolt. Not really necessary, but is easier to bolt in. And you are good to go.
From what I know, the engine when originally designed, for the BMW salon of 1998, passed emissions. When it was due for fitment in the 2002 Range Rover, It was going to fail, so, it was re-engineered to run hotter. This meant it passed emissions. This also, means that the engine is always, 'hot' this to me is the cause of many leaks, water, and oil! and cracking hoses, and tank etc. Having also had timing chain guide failure myself, I wonder if it makes the nylon parts inside the engine, more brittle too. So, now I have the 80 degrees stat fitted. Seems ok, but I also run LPG, so that also makes engine run hot too. So mine would have been even hotter than standard etc.
Anyway, for what it's worth, I would recommend this kit. Plenty of folks on here have one too.

Thanks for the replies and links. Ive read loads through the search facility and have 4 questions:

1) which one should i go for:
the Vemo 88degC one from amazon, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vemo-V20-99-0161-...B00HAH8AU8
OR
the 80degC one from ebay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...2213968616

2) am i correct in thinking that the Vemo one is a direct bolt on without any fettling/modification to be done?

3) what does the electrical connection on my current thermostat/housing serve purpose for? Is it to instruct the viscous fan to kick in under high temperature? The two thermostats mentioned above don't seem to have this electrical connection point. So by leaving the connection unplugged with the new thermostats are there any major disadvantages?

4) JAIME: Did you have to use a spacer and different washers/bolts to put the Vemo thermostat on?

1. Whichever one you're happy with they both do the same thing, I'm tight so I used the cheapest...

2. Yes

3. opens the stat if the engine ECU senses that more cooling is needed, trouble is it's then too late to do much good... no faults will be shown if you disconnect it...

4. No Pete
__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-

Great info. Is this a strongly recommended modification? Did I miss it in Wiki? Any down sides to this mod?

You do need to modify your thermostat housing..........the bit the hose connects too.
You need to cut the forks off that retain the thermostat 10mmx3-4mm approx, very simple, partial cut with angle grinder or hacksaw snap it off and either use a file to smooth or a dremel.
5 minute job.
Be careful not to damage sealing faces.

thanks for the quick succinct reply.

Think i'll just order the 88degC Vemo stat as its a direct bolt on without any work need doing to it. Worried that i might not be able to get a good seal with the 80degC ebay stat after cutting off the flanges.

The cut is inside the stat housing, I just mention the potential for damage to sealing face.
I got the 80c stat and it runs at about 90c + or -3c

I dont think you can get a drop in stat, ie no mods

It sounds a bit involved, its not really.......the hardest thing is the bottom inner stat bolt, you need very small fingers and either a high quality 3/8 drive set or 1/4 drive set.
As far as im concerned this is the most sensible mode you can make to this vehicle under the bonnet, you are mad if you dont do it.
Engine runs cooler, quieter and everything will live longer from chain guides to your trans.

What that lot said.... plus, there is no WIKI item as it really isn't needed if you do a few bits and bobs on your car and have a basic tool kit you can't go wrong, sealing isn't an issue... it's very easy and simple...

If you do it, DO NOT plug the electrical plug back into the ,now, unused holder, there have been cases of it leaking (not from the mod, they just leak sometimes) and the coolant running up the wire and into the ECU and wrecking it...

 Pete
__________________________________________________
2014 L405 Autobiography SDV8 4.4 Loire Blue Ebony interior
2011 L322 Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8 Baltic Blue. Parchment over Navy Interior. Sold
2012 L322 Autobiography 5.0 Supercharged Ipanema Sand, Jet Interior. Sold
2002 L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Epson Green, Ivory over Aspen Interior (Fatty Offroader) Sold
-Click for Project Fatty off roader-