thanks for the quick replys back....

Bill you have a PM

Bob you have a PM

Any sugestions on which brand of Gaskets to get and most importantly, what are the PART NUMBERS?

Also any other items that need replacing while I have it all apart?

180 F thermostat - any sugestions on a Brand to get?

Any sugestions on which brand of Gaskets to get and most importantly, what are the PART NUMBERS?

Also any other items that need replacing while I have it all apart?

180 F thermostat - any sugestions on a Brand to get?

I am a fan of both Factory and Fel-Pro gaskets....

I believe that Bill Boost, did his lower gaskets and actually was asked which generation Fel Pro gaskets he wanted for his application... The second generation is just like the upgraded 2nd gen GM gaskets, without the $50 price tag I think...

You will also want to replace the coolant Bypass Elbow....

I reccomend a Stant 180F if you are in a warmer climate, If it gets bare bones cold then hold onto the 195F....

;)

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Here are a couple more things to consider. No matter which thermostat you choose, drill at least one 1/16" hole in the flange to allow air to move from the engine to the radiator. The little hole will allow some coolant to escape the engine during warmup, and will slightly increase the time it takes for your heater to get hot in the winter, but will make it much less likely for the system to become air-bound.

When you are re-assembling the engine, leave the thermostat out until last. When everything else is done, fill the engine with coolant mix at the thermostat hole, then install the thermostat. This is done to avoid a big air bubble in the top of the engine on start-up. After the drilled thermostat is installed, continue to top up coolant at the radiator until full. You can "pump" the upper radiator hose by squeezing it to encourage the displacement of any trapped air. Wait a few minutes, and fill again. Repeat until the level no longer drops in the radiator. Then top up the overflow tank.

anyone have a part number for the 2nd generation Fel Pro gaskets ?

Where would I get one of these coolant Bypass Elbows?

anyone?

I'm not sure what the part number is, but just stop by an AutoZone or Advance Auto. That's where I got mine.

Is that where I could get one of these coolant Bypass Elbows?

No. The only place to get that coolant by-pass elbow for an L36 is from the dealer. It costs $7.00. Unfortunately, they only carry the plastic one.

Word has it that there's a metal one available but I haven't heard how good it is...

I am searching the local auto parts vendors (Autozone, Checkers and so on) and I am getting part numbers for LOWER gaskets but non for the Upper Intake Manifold...

I am confused, does the lower also have the upper gasket included in the package?

This is what I am getting when I search:
"Second design w/Rubber-plastic end seals w/Locating pins; Lower Set"