ok so im out running around today and i notice that shes a runnin about 200 or a little more if she gets a chance.this isnt at highway speeds (65+) but on like backroads and gravel roads(anywhere between 25 and 55) and yes i know i know everyones gonna say i need a 180 t-stat.which is probly true but i only have about 10 bucks to my name.of course thats enough to buy a t-stat.also about how much longer does it take to warm up in the winter with a 180? and even with my limited mechanical skill i can do this myself right? when i get the money that is.but should i be running at that temp with air on temp outside about 85-90 and lets see going the aforementioned backroad speeds? thanks

Looking at the MotoRad product catalog it recommends the requirements for low, moderate, and high temp thermostats - the 180 is described as being a "year round" stat whikle the 195 is listed for "winter climates." Someone else will have to tackle the topic of whether or not it does anything at all to fuel economy or emissions (I live in NJ where emissions testing has become PUBLIC ENEMY NO 1 to motorists regarding state inspections, only second to that of California).

I think I heard that GM eventually switched over to using factory installed 180 stats in their 3.8 engines in either 1998 or 1999, so they must have known there was some type of concern about these engines running hotter than they should.

Considering that with the technical discussions as to why these cars should be using at least a 180 stat due to possible intake problems, 180 seems like the way to go for sure - and it should take no more than 30 minutes at the most to change the stat. OH! You'll probably need a new water outlet gasket available ONLY at a GM dealership.

well ive heard some ppl say that even with a 180 t-stat they still run at 195 and others say they run at 180.ill probly get one.where is the t-stat by the way? i havent found it yet.

The stat is on http://www.grandprixstore.com Go to "Under the Hood". it'* there.

I have a 180 and I run 200 or over sometimes, but that'* when I'm in the city and not driving constantly, sitting at 4 way traffic lights, etc. especially in the summer heat. That'* normal though! Don't worry if it happens. But if you drive on the highway with cool air coming in you'll be running much cooler.

no no no i know where to buy one (darn near any where) but i mean where under the hood is the dang thermostat.and do any of the t-stats on the online stores come with the gasket or whatever ive heard so much about? or do i have to go do the dealer? also can it be any GM dealer? or only a Pontiac dealer.

The T-stat is located directly under ther water outlet housing where the upper radiator hose is attached...The housing usually has two 10mm bolts that connects it to the engine manifold...It usually has a small bleeder valve on top. You can't miss it.

Your old stat will have a removable rubber seal around it, but since they're cheap you can and should replace this piece when you buy the new stat. You can get this seal at any auto parts store.

The GASKET that fits between the water outlet housing and the manifold almost always has to be purchased at a GM parts department. I've yet to find it available at any auto parts store - so I get these gaskets at either a Pontiac or Buick dealership close by. You can also get them at GMPartsDirect but I haven't done that yet.

Yes, just follow the upper radiator hose to the engine, and it'* there.

You can get both the rubber o-ring and the gasket at Pepboys. That'* where I got mine. I'd look there before I went to a dealer.

Not sure if my 92 SE has the same gasket as your housing on later 1990s Bonnevilles, but that gasket - the one on the 92 - isn't available at any auto parts store I've been to.

Correction: MotoRad states that the 192 stat is the year round model; 180 is listed for hot climates. Never even knew there was a 192 but MotoRad sells one, although it'* obviously not that much of a difference from a 195.

so the old gasket will not under any circumstances work? and do the o-rings usually come with the new t-stat? im mechanically challenged a good portion of the time.especially when it comes to little odd and end pieces.problem is those odd and end pieces are usually the most important ones.

No, you'll find the old gasket, since it'* been on for so long, will be useless. As soon as you take it apart you'll see that you'll have to scrape off the old gasket fragments, and use the new one. But the o-ring doesn't come on the t-stats. I asked and was told no. So I went to Pepboys and they had a huge selection. Yours is most likely there.

Don't worry about being mechanically challenged. This is pretty easy to do. Just scrape off the old gasket before you take the old t-stat out so crap doesn't get in the coolant.