kick me if this is a constantly asked question but is it hard to put in a 180 t-stat.. just a quick runthrough would be great.

No it'* easy.

Quick run-through: Follow the upper radiator hose to the engine and the stat is in there. Take out the 2 screws and pull off the housing. Pull the old gasket off, scraping away the stuck on pieces of the gasket BEFORE pulling the stat out so you don't get crap in the coolant. Pull the 195, Put in the 180 with a new O-ring. Put on a new gasket. Screw it back together. Start car & check for leaks.

Oh ya, change the stat when the engine is very cool You will most likely have to refill the coolant too

Drain some coolant first (quart or two) or be parked in someone elses driveway (coolant will eat blacktop sealer).

Hey, I have been reading posts and it seems like the common mods are the 180 deg. thermostat, and the gutted airbox. What is the reason and the benefit of the hotter thermostat? I plan to check the tech section for this kind of stuff, but thought I'd ask and introduce myself to the group.

I am really enjoying my 97 SSE. It is green with leather seats, and totally stock.
I am planning on going to the garage right now and gutting the airbox to make my commute to work alot more interesting tomorrow. Also in the garage is my 68 GTO which is awaiting funds for an engine rebuild. I've timkered with the GTO and other older cars, but have never tried to goof with the newer rides. My bonne is enough fun that I am getting ready to do some modifications now.

Also need info on intake manifold: what defects can I expect from the factory piece, and what aftermarket or alternate factory intakes are beneficial?

thanks for the help, I need it!!

You mean what are the benefits of the COOLER thermostat? They keep you cooler. And with modifying comes a heavier foot usually so you'd like to keep the engine as cool as possible....especially with a series 2 NA upper intake like you have. Coolant can leak into the oil and to make a long story short, it'* not a pretty picture. Just keep your eye on the oil and coolant levels.

I'm not too sure of aftermarket intakes for it. I think some ppl make them for us. Someone should chime in on that I hope.

Nobody makes one for commercial sale, although some have tried. The only succesful attempt caused such a porformance increase, that the trans went POOF.

The best you can do is keep it cool. The 180° thermostat and Trans cooler are the best ways to do it. Other than that, like 94 said, just keep an eye on the coolant level. Should the unthinkable happen (and it may have already before you owned the car) you'll be prepared. There'* a Techinfo article on preparing for and replacing the upper on the Vin K engine.

As far as the ease of the thermostat swap.......Lilpooky is our youngest member at age 13. She has succesfully changed a thermostat entirely on her own, without my guiding hands touching a single tool or part

hehehehethank u dad

The real question is, did you know she was doing it? Or did she jus feel like playing with the tools?

Has anyone drilled holes through their t-stats?

Yup. Posted in performance somewhere.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ighlight=holes