As many of you know, we're stuffing an LS1 into a Miata right now. It fired up last night and everyone got all giddy.
But we've run into an interchange problem with the thermostat, and I'm hoping someone who knows the engines can help out a bit. We installed an LS2 Corvette water pump on our Firebird LS1 engine - but the LS1 thermostat won't fit. It's a little bit too large for the hole.
We ordered a new LS2 thermostat, same problem. What is it that we need to make this work?
Field operated impact generator?
Can you safely open the reciever hole to accept the stat?
www.ls1tech.com
I think I can open up the hole - there's a lip around the edge so a larger hole would cause no problems. I've suggested that, but we'd prefer to come up with the correct OE part. Obviously there is one! Does an LS2 'Vette use an integrated thermostat cover (like this one) or is it a separate thermostat and cover?
If we don't get this sorted soon, I'm pulling out the grinder.
I know the LS engines that go in Vettes always have a different accessory setup than any other GM car with an LS engine. You may want to stop by the local GM dealership and see if they can find you an actually Vette t-stat. You may have gotten one for a GTO which may have a different water pump than the Vette.
And unless you are god no one will help you at ls1tech.com, I rarely get my questions answered on there and if I do get a response it's an a-hole that says "SEARCH."
Well, some more asking around reveals that the LS2 uses a separate thermostat and housing - a much more intelligent design than the $60 thermostat/housing combo that's used in the LS1. When we requested an LS2 'stat from NAPA, they gave us an LS1 part instead.
On top of this, our water pump theoretically should have come with a new thermostat housing but didn't. So, new housing and new thermostat on the way. BTW, LS1tech did tell me that the LS2 thermostat is a separate piece, so it's not completely bereft of info :)
Keith wrote: Well, some more asking around reveals that the LS2 uses a separate thermostat and housing - a much more intelligent design than the $60 thermostat/housing combo that's used in the LS1. When we requested an LS2 'stat from NAPA, they gave us an LS1 part instead. On top of this, our water pump theoretically should have come with a new thermostat housing but didn't. So, new housing and new thermostat on the way. BTW, LS1tech did tell me that the LS2 thermostat is a separate piece, so it's not completely bereft of info :)
I guess there is still some hope for Ls1tech, that site has really gone down hill over the past year.
Glad to see your problem sorted out. Having LS1, LS6 and LS2s in the garage at the moment I saw your problem!
http://z28.com/forum/ has been great for me with LT1 and LS tech info
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