> Actually it will improve gas mileage.  It does affect perfomance, but
> warmer air temps will improve gas mileage.  That's why auto manufacturers
> always have high-temp thermostats in their cars, even the performance
> ones.  They get a higher MPG rating that way.  An old trick to get more
> out of your car is to put in a low temp thermostat (usually 160 degrees).
> This is impossible on an air-cooled vehicle, but you water guys out ther
> might be able to try it.

exactly!  also, it will propong the life of the engine since higher temps
will help burn off the carbon deposits and other gunk built up inside the
engine.

if you want to know more about prolonging engine life and car life i
recommend getting the book:
"Drive it Forever" by: Robert Sikorsky ISBN: 0-07-057522-3
my $.02 worth

Sudhir H. Desai                         1984 VW Vanagon 3.4 liter Chevy V-6
cdes@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu            1996 Subaru Outback 2.2 liter flat-4
sudhir_desai@geocities.com              1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 liter I-6

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/1889