no my budget is fine ........... it just im 16 and if you cant tell i dont know a whole lot bout cars and i asked my step dad to help change/put stuff in and he says that if its not broke dont fix it and from what he could tell most gm cars run better with a warmer engine

Don't listen to him, listen to us

Seriously though, MANY if not MOST people here have 180 t-stats. They do no harm.

ya i know but................ i cant exactly put it in by myself cant imagine trying do an intake by myself!!!!!

Many people here who have joined did not know much either, but they learned. I believe anyone can do it if they try. I joined 4+ years ago having never worked on cars. And today I've done all the performance upgrades and maintenance to my car myself (or with some help from a member on a couple things).

I even thought back in 2002 that changing the thermostat would be difficult. It'* EASY. You do not need any mechanical skill whatsoever to do it, or even change the intake. These are some of the easiest things you can do on these cars. As long as you are willing to learn you can do it. And we're here to help.

Where are you located?

id be more than willing to learn...... i've always been interested in cars and wanted to learn how to do stuff.......... if any one could provide diagrams, locations, step by step or any one of the above or anthing extra it would be be very much appreciated...................... if need be add me to msn

There you go That'* half the battle. I can work on getting some pics...

If your just getting into cars, I would suggest to just sit back, relax, read alot, and take your time. Theres no rush.

i know it off subject a little......................but how do you think my car would do against an 03 mitsubishi (sp?) galant that has a 4cyl?

2003 Galant, yes way off topic. And I have no idea. With some time though you can improve what you have now and surprise yourself how it compares with other cars.

Changing thermostats is easy. You'll need:

Thermostat
Thermostat gasket
Rubber O-ring for thermostat



The thermostat housing is circled in red. Bleeder screw is in the middle of the housing.

Remove two 10mm bolts from housing.
Pull off housing - you will lose coolant don't worry, refill later. The thermostat sits inside.
Scrape off old gasket material on both surfaces BEFORE remvoing the t-stat.
Remove t-stat, install new one with new o-ring.
Put gasket in place, bolt everything back up.

what all comes with the new thermostat? do i have to buy gasket and o ring seperate?