gonna try to change tstat myself..

[ll3lue]

anyone have any tips or write-ups on step by step on how to do this?? i have a 160* tstat in my hand and now i gotta go out and try to install it..so any tips would be very helpful, i'd like to keep the stock housing if possible without ripping it to shreds..anyone have any tips? thanks

 

[2QUIK6]

If its the original housing and has never been removed, it may take some patience to get out, but a pair of channel locks will be helpful...just keep wiggling it around from side to side until you can pull it out. It will not come out by hand.
There is 1 bolt holding the U-clamp that presses the housing into the block with an O-ring on it, you'll most likely need a new O-ring if one didn't come with the thermostat.
Remove your intake MAF pipe/tube and anything else in the way to give you more room as needed. May need to lightly tap on it from various angles to get it "broke" loose. You may want to consider getting a billet aluminum replacement.

 

[XLR8]

It was fairly easy when I did it. If I recall I removed the up-pipe that runs from the intercooler to the throttle body. I took off the bracket/crows foot clamp that holds the housing in, left the radiator hose attached to the housing and it wiggled the thermostat housing out using the radiator hose for leverage. I did install a new o-ring and I put a little vasaline on it to help it slip in.

 

[BLACK6PACK]

Good luck, I tried to be gentle with it for 3 days after work. Finally ordered a billet piece and proceeded to spend the next hour ripping it to shreds before I got it out. If you have a friend that weighs 300-400 lbs and has a good grip, he may be able to pull it strait out with a set of vice grips.

 

[Red Regal T]

If it is seized in there tight, clamp vice grips on the housing and use a big screw driver or small pry bar and pry against the jaws of the vicegrips. Grips will do minimal damage to the housing.

 

[scottyb]

After you destroy the stocker, just go to NAPA and get this cast piece

Regardless of the neck you choose, BE SURE to use a new o-ring.

 

[gbsean]

remember to drain out some antifreeze before you start taking anything apart. I forgot once. and only once