Wrong Thermostat

**chuckie669** · 06-20-2009, 01:57 PM

Hey guys,
I bought a 160% T-stat a while back and finally got around to installing it today. The fuggen thing does not fit into the block, wtf? Ordered x 98-02 LS1 160 Degree Thermostat (1014) . Can anyone tell me which one I got. The tech line is closed on saturday and I don't think I can drive the car back into the garage.

I took the old one out and the t-stat fell right out, so I tossed it into the corner. RTV'd the gasket into the new one and when installing the outer sides are too wide to fit into the hole. I did notice theres an additional tab on the new one, but according to installuniversity there was a push pin to remove. Mine did not have that. Am I an idiot and can't push it in or what? Any help is appreciated.

**pajeff02** · 06-20-2009, 02:00 PM

New one looks to be a later style... matches what is in our '02.

**chuckie669** · 06-20-2009, 02:02 PM

But the hole isn't large enough to insert the new one. I didn't realize there was a difference. ws6store only lists the one.

**pajeff02** · 06-20-2009, 02:09 PM

Believe it has to do with the style of the water pump -- if you do a search you will find that other members have had the same problem.

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Here is one: http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113038

**thearborbarber** · 06-20-2009, 02:56 PM

IF you have a replacement water pump that has the new style t-stat. Then you will need a t-stat for a 2004 or newer LS engine.

**chuckie669** · 06-20-2009, 03:19 PM

Thanks a bunch for the info and link. Well that's a bummer, and I guess totally my fault for ordering the wrong one. Maybe I can suggest to the sites that sell these to make the 04 style an optional component since apparently switching to new style water pumps is fairly common. Would've been a pretty easy check beforehand had I known (+ $40 price difference).

I'll check and see if maybe the store will be leniant with a noob and help me out.

Oh, and thearborbarbor. I should be done with your stuff soon and will send it back to you. Your a topnotch guy on here.