I bought a 1996 CE convertible two months ago.
One of the previous owners bypassed the original temperature coolant sensor (is this what you guys call "unit"?) with a Renault unit, placed on the upper water hose.
This evil piece is connected somehow to the ECM and has a relay of its own.
I want to get everything back to its original condition.
The water hoses are in a very bad condition and I was told by my mechanic to buy a blue silicone hose kit.
I live in a very hot country, so lowering the temp for the vents was the reason to this Renault unit.
The system now has a mixture of coolants (very bad, I know) and I need to order this kit ASAP. Then, I will get my whole system professionally cleaned.

My questions:
1. Can OEM GM hose kits still be found (with the GM logo)? What do you recommend?
I am having doubts about putting the silicone kit, as I want to keep the car as original as possible.
2. Can you please explain me how the thermostat and the temp unit work together? Who does what?
3. Do you think I need to lower the temp for the vents if I live where the summer is a killer?
4. If so, is it necessary to change both the thermostat and the unit, and why? Which thermostat+unit kit is recommended?
5. Which spark plug wires originally came with this car? AC Delco? Black? Red?

Any help is appreciated.
Thank you.

 

The coolant temperature sensor is supposed to be on the front of the water pump. It sends the data to the PCM. The PCM in turn uses that data to regulate fuel, the digital gauge, and more. Without the data the car will run like crap. There is also a temp switch on the right head that is for the analog gauge only.

Taylor 74225 plug wires are excellent and available in several colors.

Hoses are available about any parts store. The short curved one from the heater core back to the surge tank might be a problem and last I knew it was dealer only, but that might have changed. Sure sounds like you need a good system flush as well.

The t/stat operates like any other car, BUT it has to be an LT1/4 t/stat due to the reverse flow cooling. I think the factory t/stat is 185*F.

Where are you that it is so hot??

 

I'm from Israel.
We have about 15 C4's here.
The rest are classics or brand new.
You can't trust anyone regarding fixing this car because no one is familiar with it. I haven't got the FSM yet.

I read this thread and just got more confused:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...-vs-180-a.html

I think I'll go for the 180 t-stat, but what about getting the fans to kick in sooner?

 

The t/stat debate has been gone over here a few thousand times, and I really don't want to start another one when others chip in. Just stay with the factory (180 is fine) setting, because once it opens it doesn't do anything to prevent hot operating temperatures. There are basically two options for the fans: 1. Get the PCM reprogrammed, 2. Add a manual control switch or a seperate fan control circuit.

The FSM will help you a lot. Can you get parts for it when you need them? LT1 or LT4?

 

plus check the radiator for debris. make sure the front chin spoiler is not damaged . when you turn on the a/c the fans will automatically go on