Changing Thermostat

I am going with a cooler thermostat this winter (probably 160*) and I was arguing with my dad whether or not to get a new gasket. I read that you can just re-use the old o-ring from the old thermostat and not have to bother with a new one. Should I use the old one or get a new one?

it costs like 2 dollars and might even come with the new one. Why bother with not doing it? If the car was only a few years old then you might be ok but even then I dont see why you wouldnt go ahead and do it.

I don't think mine even has a gasket... if I remember right, it's RTV silicone...."No gasket or sealant is needed other than the rubber o-ring that is on the thermostat, itself." yup i was right, I put rtv on mine as an added security though...

Mine uses a gasket, whether yours has a gasket or o-ring you should change it just for a little added security

yeah the extra dollar or so compared to a worse case scenario blown engine...definately pays to not be cheap when fixing things

yup, in any case if something involves a gasket i would change it if it looks like it could be damage or worn in any way... but in the case with the LT1 the thermostat is the gasket itself, it takes no gasket... put a little rtv silicone on the coupler to be safe and your good to go...

Regarding the 160* thermo, how well is heating retained? It gets pretty cold here during the winters and I don't want have to change out the old and new thermo every year as the seasons change. Should I maybe try and find a 180* just to be safe?

Ok, so I went up to Napa today to pick up a 180* thermo, because it would be cheaper than buying one on the internet. I told him it was for a 94 Z and he said the only one in the computer was a 'factory OE' 180*. I am confused, aren't the factory ones like 195* or something like that? I don't to buy the same exact thing I have already, but I could have sworn that factory was higher. God, I hate questioning myself. Someone staighten me out please!

LT1s came with a 195

ok, so the one at Napa is the one I am looking for?Thanks, just wanted to clear things up.