
Mr. Gasket 4364 High Performance Thermostat
- Eliminates the huge swings in coolant pressure that plague lesser thermostats at high RPM
- Fully compatible with GMs Fords and AMCs
- Opens at 180 degrees regardless of engine rpm
- High flow design with brass and copper construction
Get the Most Out of Your Vehicle with the Right Thermostat
Upgrading your vehicle’s cooling system is one of the best ways to enhance performance and drivability. The thermostat is a critical component that regulates engine temperature for optimal efficiency. This buying guide will provide everything you need to know about selecting the ideal thermostat for your ride – the Mr. Gasket 4364.
What is the Mr. Gasket 4364 Used For?
The Mr. Gasket 4364 is a high-performance 160 degree thermostat. It is designed to allow coolant to flow sooner than a stock 180-195 degree thermostat. This enables the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature faster, even in cold weather.
Once installed, the 4364 thermostat starts opening at 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This early opening reduces warmup times and prevents detonation on colder days. It also minimizes heat soak after hard driving by removing excess heat from the engine.
Overall, the Mr. Gasket 4364 provides improved engine response and power output by keeping your engine in its happy zone. It’s a great upgrade for modified engines or forced induction applications.
How to Install a Mr. Gasket 4364
Putting in a new 160 degree thermostat like the Mr. Gasket 4364 is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
- Allow the engine to fully cool before starting.
- Locate the thermostat housing. It’s usually found where the top radiator hose connects to the engine.
- Drain some coolant by opening the radiator petcock. Loosen the housing bolts and carefully remove the old thermostat.
- Make sure the new thermostat’s rubber gasket is in place. Insert the Mr. Gasket 4364 with the spring side facing the engine.
- Reinstall the housing and tighten all bolts to OEM specs. Refill the system with coolant.
- Start the engine and check for leaks. Allow it to fully warm up and double check the coolant level.
And that’s it! Expect faster warmup times and better heat control once your new 160 degree thermostat is installed.
What Vehicles are Compatible with Mr. Gasket 4364?
The Mr. Gasket 4364 is designed as a direct replacement upgrade for most domestic V8 applications. It is commonly used in:
- Ford Mustangs, Crown Vics, Thunderbirds from the 1960s through the early 2000s
- Chevy Camaros, Impalas, Corvettes – 1960s to 2000s
- Dodge Challengers, Chargers, Magnums – 1960s to 2000s
- Pontiac Firebirds, GTOs, Trans Ams – 1960s to 2000s
It also fits popular Ford Modular V8s found in Mustangs and F-150s from the 1990s to 2010s.
With its universal shape and dimensions, the Mr. Gasket 4364 can work in almost any American V8-powered vehicle. Just compare it against your old thermostat and housing to confirm compatibility.
Where to Buy Mr. Gasket 4364 Online
As a popular cooling system upgrade, the Mr. Gasket 4364 is widely available at auto parts stores and online retailers. Buying online can save you money through discounted pricing and shipping deals.
Some top places to purchase a Gasket 4364 thermostat online include:
- Amazon – Free shipping on orders over $25. Often heavily discounted compared to list price.
- Summit Racing – Large selection of high performance parts. Free shipping on orders over $100.
- Jegs – Known for fast shipping and price matching guarantees. Easy online ordering.
- eBay – New and used 4364 thermostats available from various sellers. Pay attention to seller ratings.
Most online stores offer the Mr. Gasket 4364 for $10 to $15. Be sure to search for the latest deals and coupons before purchasing.
How Does Mr. Gasket 4364 Improve Performance?
Upgrading to the Mr. Gasket 160 degree thermostat can provide noticeable improvements in engine performance through several mechanisms:
- Quicker warm ups – The lower temperature rating allows coolant flow sooner. This reduces friction, wear, and emissions during cold starts.
- Optimized operating temps – Keeping temperatures consistent in the 160-210 degree range improves combustion efficiency.
- Lower detonation risk – Eliminates pre-ignition and knocks by reducing cylinder heat during ignition.
- Improved ignition timing – More stable operating temps allow advancing timing for better throttle response.
- Increased power – Cooler intake temperatures and reduced friction mean more usable horsepower at the wheels.
Overall, the Mr. Gasket 4364 thermostat helps your engine run cooler, smoother, and with greater power output across the RPM range.
What are the Reviews for Mr. Gasket 4364?
With decades in the performance market, Mr. Gasket products like the 4364 thermostat have earned strong reputations for quality and results. Here’s what drivers are saying:
- “My Camaro warms up way faster now. No more waiting several minutes on cold days.”
- “I installed the 4364 in my Mustang GT and it totally cured my overheating issues. Rock solid 160 degree thermostat.”
- “Works exactly as advertised. My old Corvette would run hot at idle and this solved it.”
- “Perfect fitment and it lowered coolant temps by 20 degrees in my classic Chevelle. Highly recommended upgrade.”
The Mr. Gasket 4364 averages a 4.7 out of 5 star rating in online reviews. It delivers reliable performance at a reasonable price. Just be sure your vehicle has a conventional coolant flow design before installing it.
How Does Mr. Gasket 4364 Compare to Similar Products?
The Mr. Gasket 4364 is part of a full line of direct fit performance thermostats from 160 degrees up to 210 degrees. How does it stack up against other options?
- Stant 14527 – Similar 160 degree rating but less temp precision and quality control
- Mishimoto MMTS-FORD-156 – Ford-specific 156 degree racing thermostat but more expensive
- Gates 31844 – Affordable OEM replacement but only a 180 degree design
- OEM Thermostat – Stock 195 degree is too high for performance use
The Mr. Gasket 4364 hits the sweet spot with its 160 degree rating, tight 2 degree variance, and universal V8 fitment at a great price. It’s the ideal balance of performance and value.
What are the Specifications of Mr. Gasket 4364?
Here are the key technical specs and details for the Mr. Gasket Performance 160 Degree Thermostat:
- Temperature Rating: 160 degrees Fahrenheit (160°F)
- Variance: +/- 2 degrees F
- Body style: Remanufactured with housing gasket
- Dimensions: 2 1⁄16″ diameter housing
- Opening: Rapid response progressive opening design
- Seal: High quality rubber seal
- Fitment range: Most domestic V8s from the 1960s onwards
The precise 160 degree rating with minimal variance is what really sets the Mr. Gasket 4364 apart from less performance-oriented options.
How to Maintain a Mr. Gasket 4364?
Like any engine component, proper maintenance is key to getting the most life out of your Mr. Gasket 4364 thermostat. Here are some tips:
- Use a high quality coolant/water mixture to minimize corrosion. Aim for a 50/50 mix.
- Change coolant at least once every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. This removes contaminants over time.
- Check housing for leaks during routine maintenance. Re-tighten bolts or replace gasket if needed.
- Check operation by monitoring warmup times. Replace thermostat if it fails to open properly.
- Avoid track use without additional cooling system upgrades. The tighter 160 degree rating leaves less overheating margin.
With periodic checks and coolant changes, a Mr. Gasket 4364 thermostat should provide years of trouble-free performance.
What is the Lifespan of Mr. Gasket 4364?
When properly installed and maintained, the Mr. Gasket 4364 can easily achieve a service life of 60,000 miles or 5 years. Some drivers report running them for over 100k miles without issue.
The stainless steel body and high quality rubber seal resist corrosion and deterioration. As long as the engine’s cooling system is free of contaminants, the thermostat itself should keep functioning properly.
Compare that to OEM thermostats that often fail right around 50-60k miles. For the small added cost, the Gasket 4364 is a more robust component that holds up better in performance applications.
Can Mr. Gasket 4364 be Used in Racing Cars?
The Mr. Gasket 4364’s 160 degree rating makes it an ideal upgrade for street-driven performance cars. However, most purpose-built racers require an even cooler thermostat in the 150-155 degree range.
Reasons the 4364 may not be suitable for dedicated racing use:
- Not enough margin to account for extreme engine outputs in racing
- The tighter variance may limit fine tuning of coolant flow
- Racers are typically modified for greater cooling capacity
For street/strip vehicles, the Mr. Gasket 4364 hits a nice balance. But all-out racers are better served by a specialty racing thermostat with tighter specs. Always check sanctioning body rules as well.
Is Mr. Gasket 4364 Easy to Install?
One of the Mr. Gasket 4364’s biggest benefits is how user-friendly it is to install. Here’s why it gets high marks for DIY-friendly installation:
- Direct replacement – Drops right into most domestic V8 thermostat housings
- Basic hand tools – Can be changed with typical socket sets and wrenches
- Straightforward procedure – Just drain, remove old, replace, refill coolant
- No programming – Doesn’t require a scan tool or tuning for simple bolt-on install
- Minimal time – Can be changed in well under an hour even for beginners
As long as you can access the thermostat housing and drain the coolant, anyone with basic mechanical skills can tackle this project. No specialty tools or programming required!
What Materials are Used in Mr. Gasket 4364?
The Mr. Gasket 4364 uses high grade materials to deliver precise temperatures and longevity:
- Stainless steel body – Resists corrosion and fatigue over time
- Copper valve plate – Optimized heat transfer for accurate spring loading
- Precision ground spindle – Allows fine calibration of opening temperature
- Silicone rubber seal – Stays flexible while handling high temperatures
- High grade springs – Keeps valve movement within tight variance
The quality materials and tight machining tolerances result in a premium thermostat optimized for performance driving.
Are There Any Discounts for Mr. Gasket 4364?
As a popular upgrade, there are often great deals available on the Mr. Gasket 4364:
- Bundled discounts – Save when buying thermostat with other cooling parts
- Sitewide sales – Retailers like Jegs, Summit, and Amazon run regular promotions
- Coupon codes – Check retail sites for any codes to save on your order
- Price matching – Many retailers will match a competitor’s lower price
- Used/refurbished – Save even more buying quality inspected pre-owned units
With a little searching, you can likely find a Mr. Gasket 4364 thermostat for $10-15 and potentially less. Timing your purchase around sales events can help maximize your savings.
How to Troubleshoot Issues with Mr. Gasket 4364
In rare cases, your new Mr. Gasket 4364 may not fix overheating issues or performance problems. Here are tips for troubleshooting:
- Confirm proper installation – Was the thermostat sealed and bolted correctly? Is the housing aligned properly?
- Check for coolant leaks – Small leaks can prevent the system from fully pressurizing
- Remove and retest thermostat – Bench test it in a pot of water on a stove or hot plate
- Consider lower temp option – Some applications may benefit from a tighter 150 or 155 degree racing thermostat
- Upgrade entire cooling system – Flush contaminants, upgrade water pump, hoses, radiator, and fans as needed
- Adjust ignition timing – Retarding timing may help reduce overheating issues
Taking a systematic approach by verifying proper install, testing thermostat function, and addressing other cooling system issues typically gets Mr. Gasket 4364 thermostats performing reliably.
What are Common Problems with Mr. Gasket 4364?
When installed correctly in a suitable application, the Mr. Gasket 4364 is generally trouble-free. However, here are a few potential issues to look out for:
- Fails to open fully – Debris or age can affect the precision mechanism
- Sticks shut – Corrosion or seal damage allows the valve to stick
- Coolant leaks – Improper seating, damaged housing, or loose bolts
- No change in temp – Wrong rating for application or other cooling issues present
- Engine overheating – If airflow is restricted, a colder thermostat could make things worse
Thankfully, these problems are relatively uncommon and easy to fix by replacing the thermostat. Using high quality coolant and keeping the cooling system clean can prevent many issues.
How to Clean Mr. Gasket 4364?
With a sealed stainless steel body, cleaning the Mr. Gasket 4364 is not necessary or recommended. You should never disassemble or attempt to remove deposits from an engine thermostat.
If you suspect your 4364 is not functioning properly due to debris or contamination, the only solution is to replace it completely. No amount of flushing or cleaning will restore proper operation once the precision internals are compromised.
The best way to keep your thermostat housing and cooling system free of contaminants is periodic draining and replacement of coolant. This prevents sediment from building up in the first place.
Is Mr. Gasket 4364 Suitable for Beginners?
The straightforward install and quality construction of the Mr. Gasket 4364 make it an ideal choice even for cooling system beginners.
Here’s why it’s a great introductory upgrade:
- Simple bolt-in replacement with common hand tools
- No programming or tuning required
- Affordable price around $10-15
- Direct fitment for most popular classic V8s
- Provides noticeable improvements in drivability
- Room for error with 160 degree temp rating
As long as you follow the proper drain, fill, and bleed procedures, anyone can tackle installing a Gasket 4364. Just take your time and don’t force any fasteners or fittings!
What Tools Are Needed to Install Mr. Gasket 4364?
Replacing your thermostat with a Mr. Gasket 4364 is a basic job you can perform in your own garage with common hand tools:
- **Socket set **- For removing housing bolts and hoses
- Open end wrenches – To hold bolts while loosening with socket
- Coolant drain pan – Drain and catch removed coolant
- Funnel – For refilling coolant after install
- Sealant/tape – For wrapping hoses and fittings
- Coolant/water – 50/50 mixture for system refill
No specialty tools are required. The ability to access the thermostat housing and drain the cooling system is all you need to DIY this upgrade. Just be sure to properly dispose of used coolant.
Does Mr. Gasket 4364 Come with a Warranty?
The workmanship and performance of Mr. Gasket products like the 4364 thermostat are backed by a solid limited lifetime warranty.
This warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing faults. The thermostat is not covered for damage from improper installation or maintenance.
As long as you follow the recommended install and operating procedures, Mr. Gasket will replace a defective 4364 to get you back on the road. This provides great peace of mind for the price.
Wrap Up
Upgrading to a Mr. Gasket 4364 performance thermostat is one of the simplest and most beneficial mods you can make. With faster warm ups, optimized temps, and increased power, it’s a steal at around $10-15. Just be sure to take the time for a clean install using quality coolants and fluids. Your engine will thank you with cooler, smoother running plus a nice bump in horsepower.