I am going to put on a t-stat this weekend, so naturally, i have a few questions. Where can i get a good reliable t-stat? What will i need in addition to the t-stat? How much of a gain will i get out of it? Please let me know what you guys think.

Any auto parts store for $3.

This thread will explain some advantages to drilling it.

You won't see a gain. This isn't a performance mod, just something to go along with performance mods to help protect your engine.


-justin

You might only gain a couple HP, which is normally lost by the heat. It will mostly help your engine be more reliable.

Just get a replacement gasket and you're all set.

Anybody got some picture of changing the t-stat on a SER1 L67?

I don't think you'll need any pics. You just let the car sit overnight [important step, if you don't want to clean up a big puddle of coolant], remove the upper radiator hose, remove the tstat housing [located on the intake, which has two bolts], and the tstat will usually come out with the housing, or will sit on the intake, just waiting to be pulled. Drop in new one, replace old gaskets, bolt back up, enjoy! I also recommend replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses while you are at it, along with a good ol' coolant flush. Can't hurt, plus it will just help out all the more in the advantages of a 180F tstat.


-justin

Yeah let it sit for at least 4 hours and then, if your lazy like me, just take the housing off without draining any fluid. Yes it goes all over, but I don't care because how often to people look under your hood and point, "OMG THERE IS NASTY COOLENT ALL OVER YOUR TRANSMISSION!"

Otherwise drain it some, or flush the entire system while your at it.

It could just be that my system wasn't fully topped off, but when the car sat overnight, I didn't have anything more than a couple drips from the hose, and maybe 1/2 cup out of the housing.


-justin

You have an 89, might be different. But I usually don't let the car sit overnight to just change the t-stat because I can't wait more than 5 minutes to do something.

Beckstyle, you'll need a fiber housing gasket AND rubber seal for the thermostat.