Is it necessary to use the expensive factory thermostat which has a wax core, or will one from Autozone work O.K.? I don't know if it has a wax core. Also, where is the o-ring for the outlet pipe on the back of the water pump available, besides the Chevy dealer?

Thanks.

F100240.

Hi F100240,

The thermostat from autozone does contain a wax pellet, and it will work for you just fine. I've used many in the old fleet. They might have different temperatures for you to select from - I'd stick with factory temp.

As for the coolant pipe o-ring that seals against the block, I happened to have lying around two o-ring variety sets from harbor freight tools. One blue box and one red box (standard and metric sizes, iirc). One of the boxes contained multiples of a very good fitting o-ring that i would use with a light coat of "The Right Stuff."

-Matt