[Z06] 2004 LS6 thermostat
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
2004 LS6 thermostat
I just discovered that the 2004 LS6 thermostat is totally different from the one in my 2000 LS1 engine. The outer casting is different and inside the actual thermostat is NOT attached to the outer casting. It is a seperate part and is held in place by a gasket. It is NOT sealed with an "O" ring as the older style thermostat was. I was told that this change was made in the 2004 model year.
The old style unit will NOT fit into the opening on the 2004 LS1 engine block. It is too big. Is through my own stupidity that I discovered this. I had a my old 170* thermostat and wanted to install it on my new 2004 Z06, Well it didn't fit, so I reinstalled the stock LS6 thermo and them found that it was leaking coolant at the flange. It turns out that I damaged the gasket the holds the thermostat in place within the outer casting and also seals the flange. So now I have a new gasket on order (a $3.00 part) and an immobile Z06 in my garage. I also ordered another themostat (a completely separate part from the outer casting) so I can modify it to open at 170*.
If any of you decide to remove your thermostat, be real careful with that gasket. It's real easy to mess it up.
Jim Helm
The old style unit will NOT fit into the opening on the 2004 LS1 engine block. It is too big. Is through my own stupidity that I discovered this. I had a my old 170* thermostat and wanted to install it on my new 2004 Z06, Well it didn't fit, so I reinstalled the stock LS6 thermo and them found that it was leaking coolant at the flange. It turns out that I damaged the gasket the holds the thermostat in place within the outer casting and also seals the flange. So now I have a new gasket on order (a $3.00 part) and an immobile Z06 in my garage. I also ordered another themostat (a completely separate part from the outer casting) so I can modify it to open at 170*.
If any of you decide to remove your thermostat, be real careful with that gasket. It's real easy to mess it up.
Jim Helm
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: 2004 LS6 thermostat (SJRAMROD)
Thanks SJRAMROD. That's the baby allright. They also have lots of other goodies. I'm not sure how I did it, but I somehow destroyed that black rubber gasket that is shown around the thermostat.
$99 is a bit steep, but OK for the mechanically impared. I ordered a new gasket from my friendly Chevy Dealer. The only place they had them was in Detroit, so it won't be here till next week.
Jim
$99 is a bit steep, but OK for the mechanically impared. I ordered a new gasket from my friendly Chevy Dealer. The only place they had them was in Detroit, so it won't be here till next week.
Jim
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: 2004 LS6 thermostat (Jim 47)
If anyone is interested, I have a perfectly good 97-03 172 Deg thermostat that will not fit my 2004 Z06. this is the one that comes as an intregral part of the outer casting. It's yours for $35 including shipping. :D
Jim
Jim
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City OK
Re: 2004 LS6 thermostat (Jim 47)
Eckler's has the same for 89.99. Still too pricey!!!! I fail to see why the housing must be replaced.
[Modified by seschroeder, 2:03 PM 4/9/2004]
[Modified by seschroeder, 4:57 PM 4/9/2004]
[Modified by seschroeder, 2:03 PM 4/9/2004]
[Modified by seschroeder, 4:57 PM 4/9/2004]
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: 2004 LS6 thermostat (seschroeder)
My Eckler's catalog shows a thermostat/housing combo for $74.99. BUT, this (their stock no.36088) WILL NOT FIT a 2000 LS6 engine. Maybe I just have an old Eckler's catalog ???
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: 2004 LS6 thermostat (Jim 47)
Sorry. I just went on line to Eckler's and found that they are selling a 2004 thermostat/housing for $84.99.
I do agree with you that the housing is unnecessary. That's why I ordered just the gasket and thermostat from Chevy. :D
Jim
I do agree with you that the housing is unnecessary. That's why I ordered just the gasket and thermostat from Chevy. :D
Jim
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: 2004 LS6 thermostat (seschroeder)
I don't know the part no.as I ordered by phone. The stock thermostat opens at 86* C, but I've forgotten how to convert that to F. I plan to alter the stock thermo to open at about 170* F.
Jim
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 27
From: Central Florida
Re: 2004 LS6 thermostat (Jim 47)
E-mail sent!
If anyone is interested, I have a perfectly good 97-03 172 Deg thermostat that will not fit my 2004 Z06. this is the one that comes as an intregral part of the outer casting. It's yours for $35 including shipping. :D
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,483
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington DE
Re: 2004 LS6 thermostat (Power Shifter)
That crossed my mind, but only as a last resort, and with the weather we're having right now, I'm glad it's sitting in my garage. :)
Jim
Jim
