hey i was just wonderin what exactly does this do, and how much would one of these cost to have installed in my car. What is the reason that everyone gets one of these

They cost between 10 and 15 bucks. Basically, your engine operating temps will go down signifcantly, cause it will allow coolant to flow at lower temps. It will help your engine last a lot longer.

are these hard to replace, or is this something that would be fairly easy to do, and is there any certain name brand to buy of just a 180 thermostat?

I just got a no-name brand. It works fine.

It'* not too hard to install. I had my dad do it since he is a mechanic, but I watched. Bascially do it when the engine is cold. Take off the coolant hose by the throttle body, and take out the old thermostat and gasket. Put the new gasket with some sealer on, and put the new T-stat in as well. Then put everything back together. You may want to add more coolant if you spilled some.

I know this isn't too detailed, but maybe others here can help out some more.

I lost my old one but the new one I picked up at Advanced Auto was under 5 clams. Installation is cheese.

Installation is a piece of cake. Go to this site

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...rGuideYMMEYear

it'* a free vehicle repair guide, step by step with detail pictures. If you do decide to do it make sure you drian out enough antifreeze so the level is below the rubber tube that runs from the rad to the block. Good luck.