Yes, that's the thermostat housing. You can get manuals at the auto parts like Haynes at Auto Zone about $10+. If it started overheating when you changed the lower hose, the old spring can be put in the new hose (or even a clamp around the hose may help if collapsing).

 

Ah okay, I'll try to take out the thermostat then.
And my local auto zone is supposedly out of manuals that are $24+
any clamp will help keep it from collapsing? How do I know if thats whats causing the problem tho? >.<

 

If it started overheating when you changed the lower hose, that would point to the hose. Probably best place for a hose clamp(s) would be about in the middle of the bend towards the water pump. The store can get a manual.

Anyway, yes I have not bought one in a long time. I was already running several hot rods & mainly wanted torque specs & a wiring diagram.

 

There's been a lot of great advice here, but it appears you're not following any of it. First off, that half ball shaped thing on the top of the engine "is" the thermostat housing. Go to your local parts store and buy a new thermostat. Also get a gasket and some gasket sealer to go with it. I'd go with a 180 degree thermostat to start with. Also buy yourself a Corvette repair manual. To start, something like a Haynes manual available at almost all parts stores. It'll help you learn how to do this small stuff.
You said you started the engine and revved it to 3k-3.5k and the lower hose didn't collapse. Well, it more than likely won't when you're standing there looking at it. The hose collapses when it's hot and there's a steady draw of water through it at highway speed. Probably about 3k rpm's but it's a steady and constant rpm for quite a while. You're not going to duplicate it standing still in the driveway. And if you drive and then pull over, you won't see it collapsed because it will refill when you pull over and idle down. While at the parts store, get the correct lower hose with the spring, as you've already told us that you took the spring out and threw it away. If you'd do these things, your overheating problem will most likely disappear. Again, good luck!
Duane

 

You're kidding here, of course. If you're not kidding you need to find someone to help you.

 

From what I've been reading in this thread, you didn't rebuild anything.............

 

Anyone who rebuilt an engine that actually runs would not be asking the sort of questions appearing above.

Pelayo, don't be afraid to admit you know nothing about engines, I was where you're at many years ago, but I learned from others who knew more than me. And do what they tell you.

1. Buy a Haynes or equivalent manual, at whatever price. The knowledge you'll pick up is priceless.

2. Buy an Assembly Instruction Manual, AIM, same as above.

3. Try to find a local Corvette club. Failing that, a Chevrolet club, or any Classic car club. Talk to the members and you will learn.

Most likely, you will not need to come back here with the same problems, but we are always here to answer your questions. Just be straight with us, and we'll return the favour.

Regards from Down Under.

aussiejohn

 

If it stops getting hot then what you've changed was causing the problem

Totally loveing this thread

 

Yeah obviously I don't know much about engines or anything. I know very simple things and I don't know things by their names, I know them by eye sight. All I know is from work me, my dad, my uncle and my best friend did at home. With that being said,
I haven't had time to do much work on it because I have been busy with work and college, I do work whenever I have some time to do it, I just bought the thermostat today because I discovered that I was running with no thermostat at all, I also squeezed the lower radiator hose(because I didn't have enough time or daylight to remove the radiator) and I felt nothing in there, so I'm guessing there is no spring and will try to purchase one asap. I am going to try the thermostat and see how that holds up with the temperature and if not I will surely replace the hose. I remember reading something about a sort of clamp over the hose that serves the same purpose as the spring, to keep the hose from constricting in on itself. Anyone know what its called or what I'm talking about?

And I couldn't reply because my internet was very glitchy and down for about a week. Finally got it fixed and made time to post this message tonight.

 

love it!!!!!