Is it worth it to get a 180 thermostat even if I don't plan on any mods for a while? Or is that a waste of ten bucks.

I'd wait for the winter to end...

well yeah but I'm just curious, does it really do much for an all-stock car?

not that great of advice....

Because you have the L36 you NEED the 180 in there....the car will STILL get to operating temp at the same time and still give you heat at the same time....

most all of the owners that have installed the 180 notice little or NO difference at all in the performance of the heater in the dead of winter

I notice a difference, but maybe that'* just me

Alright, sounds like ten bucks worth spending. Thanks!

It should be pointed out that we suspect it may help slow down the inevitable. We have no concrete evidence to prove that it does, but many run the 180 year-round with no problems.

Ultimately, the proximity of the EGR stovepipe to the plastic UIM and the ability of DEX to eat away your LIM gaskets are a far bigger issue.

I personally suggest a 180 to every car here. When cruising, everything will stay cooler. Bear in mind that in traffic, it will make no positive difference in temperature. You must have airflow through the radiator for the thermostat to do it'* job correctly. Simply turning your climate control to AC or Auto will cause both fans to come on high. This can help.

Yes, I'm planning on replacing my UIM/ LIM as soon as I can, but it'* going to cost an arm and a leg because I could never do it on my own, will have to go to a shop.

But I was kinda hopeful after reading in that Techinfo article that said the thermostat could at least reduce the chance of the manifold cracking because of the engine oveheating (am I saying all this stuff right??)

your in ohio....get with some members, have a mod day, buy beer and you will have a the repair done

Exactly. EK98 spent WELL under 200 bucks (I think it was closer to 100), came over, and we knocked it right out.