My car is the shop having the 3.4 pulley replaced with a 3.25 inch one, and a Thasher CAI installed.

I have TOG headers on their way, and scott cook is going to install them on 9/8. However, will KR sap all my power in the iterim?

I live in northern NJ, and do most of my WOT driving in short bursts at highway speeds. We have been having a pretty hot summer, although it just begain to cool off.

I still have to get a autotap, and probably a g-tech too

I would swap out your stock thermo w/ a 180 w/ holes driled into it. 10 bucks max get all your parts at napa. just get a stock replacement but a 180 thermo version then go home and drill 4 holes into the thermo 1/16 bit size make sure you dont ahve any metal shavings and your ready to install. Itll hel give you a lil less kr anda cooler running engine. no ses lights either. teh instructions on how to install is on teh gp forum look around. If you need help i can find it for you later.
good luck

Would I be able to just get a 165 degree installed, at the average service/parts place?

I would go 180 w/ holes becauswe a 165 may throw a ses light. its been known to happen Also install it your self itll take you about 15 min and save ya some cash

but yes a local garage should do it no prob just make sure they remember to bleed the thermo valve when they are done.

Fuel injected cars like todays modern engines require the engine to reach a certain temperature. There IS such a thing as being TO COLD. 160 I think is a bit to cold unless you have some very serious mods. Stick with 180, its a good all around temp, won't cause the car to run rich (by running the car to cool the computer will attempt to compensate by richeneing air/fuel mixtures, and throwing codes/lights when it can't), and you will still get somewhat descent heat in the cool temperatures.

KR will definetely hurt you in performance if its high enough, but worse yet it'* really not good for your motor. Any time the computer has to reatard something that it shouldnt originally (such as knock), its usually not a good thing. Your running 93-94 Octane right? If not, I would highly recommend it, that will help lower the KR "some" as well. Not sure if you have a CAI yet either, but getting nice cool air into the engine will help lower it to. Individually, all these little things dont help much, but together, you cant reduce KR quite a bit.

Just my $.02

I will follow everyone'* advice and get a 180 degree t-stat.

I do have a CAI. I had the Thrasher one installled along with the 3.25 Pulley. I also exclusively use Sunoco Ultra 94.

I got the car back today. All, I can say is WOW!

I am literally afraid to give the car more than even the slightest bit of gas - it is fast!!!

My brother was following me in the GTP, which now has the 3.4 pulley. I was pulling away from him, and he had it nearly to the floor.

I am scheduled to go get the exhaust headers done at Scott Cook'* Intense shop in 2 weeks.

I now also thinking about an LSD or rocker arms.

sound like ur cars really comming together may i sugest a dynomax muffler. Its not quiet but its not rice like the magnaflow. however i f you can find out what kinda muffler is on teh slp loud mouth i would get that it sounds as close to a v8 as u can get. very deep tone hth

Coming along is an understatement!! Sounds awesome!!

You said you live in Northern NJ?? Thats not to far from me in Western NY (Rochester-Syracuse Area). Also, you said Scott Cook was doing your install(*) for you? Where is he / his shop located?? Is it up here in the Northeast, near us?

Just Curious...

Also, why the heck isnt he in the club!!!!!! Tell him about it!!! It would be great to have him in here. Not only does he drive an 11 second Bonneville, but he really knows his **%# when it comes to the 3800 motor and modifying it.

Thanks!

Scott'* shop is actually in Columbus, Ohio. Its about an 8 hour ride for me me, about 500 miles west by south west. I would imagine its more like 10 or 12 hours for you, given you are 2-4 hours north and west of me.