LS Thermostats.. lower temp tip......
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 25
From: Texas
LS Thermostats.. lower temp tip......
http://www.texasperformanceevents.co...7501#post37501
Just passing this on for others to save a little $$$$
On the LS engines there seem to be 2 different thermostat designs an early one where the thermostat is made into the thermostat housing 97-late 03/early 04...
And the 2nd design where the thermostat is separate from the housing 03-04/ to current....
Lower temp thermostats are available from different performance vendors...usually the early style is about $60-65, and the later style is sold for about $25-30....
What I wanted to pass along was a cheaper way to buy a lower temp LS thermostat......
OReilly auto parts....
early thermostats........(housing and thermostat 1 piece)
160 DEG part # 37960 $29.99
180 DEG part#37980
187 DEG part# 37987
later type......separate thermostat
160 DEG part# 6367 $18.53
180 DEG part# 6368 $18.53
195 DEG part# 6369 $18.53
Just passing this on for others to save a little $$$$
On the LS engines there seem to be 2 different thermostat designs an early one where the thermostat is made into the thermostat housing 97-late 03/early 04...
And the 2nd design where the thermostat is separate from the housing 03-04/ to current....
Lower temp thermostats are available from different performance vendors...usually the early style is about $60-65, and the later style is sold for about $25-30....
What I wanted to pass along was a cheaper way to buy a lower temp LS thermostat......
OReilly auto parts....
early thermostats........(housing and thermostat 1 piece)
160 DEG part # 37960 $29.99
180 DEG part#37980
187 DEG part# 37987
later type......separate thermostat
160 DEG part# 6367 $18.53
180 DEG part# 6368 $18.53
195 DEG part# 6369 $18.53
Last edited by tommie; Jan 10, 2010 at 11:30 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 5
From: Murphy TX
You can modify your OEM thermostat to open at whatever temperature you want for the price of an 1/8" brass ferrule, a file, a caliper, and your time.
http://teamzr1.com/modstat.html
I made a .075" shim for my car and it seems to want to run 180 degrees or so now.
http://teamzr1.com/modstat.html
I made a .075" shim for my car and it seems to want to run 180 degrees or so now.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 5
From: Murphy TX
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,414
Likes: 25
From: Texas
I would feel confident with your mod if I was using a new stock temp thermostat, but I would not want to mod a used thermostat.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 5
From: Murphy TX
that should be right for an 04'... you will see when you take it apart...if the thermostat is made into the outlet, it is an early type...if the thermostat is separate then it is a later type..
yes, I saw that too... my only problem, is that from experience I have seen thermostats fail over time, they wear from constantly opening and closing, and eventually fail. I have a better piece of mind in replacing my thermostat with a new one.
I would feel confident with your mod if I was using a new stock temp thermostat, but I would not want to mod a used thermostat.
yes, I saw that too... my only problem, is that from experience I have seen thermostats fail over time, they wear from constantly opening and closing, and eventually fail. I have a better piece of mind in replacing my thermostat with a new one.
I would feel confident with your mod if I was using a new stock temp thermostat, but I would not want to mod a used thermostat.
My 83k modded stock thermostat is working fine, but it is a PITA to drain the coolant to swap it out again. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
No need to drain the coolant. You pull the hose and hold it up quickly to minimize leakage. Loosen the bolts while holding the housing in place. Have the new one right there handy. Then remove and reinstall as fast as you can. Install the bolts and hose and you're done. I lost only ounces of coolant. One of the easiest and quickest mods I've done. Just have to be fast and have that new housing ready to slap in place.
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 5
From: Murphy TX
No need to drain the coolant. You pull the hose and hold it up quickly to minimize leakage. Loosen the bolts while holding the housing in place. Have the new one right there handy. Then remove and reinstall as fast as you can. Install the bolts and hose and you're done. I lost only ounces of coolant. One of the easiest and quickest mods I've done. Just have to be fast and have that new housing ready to slap in place.
