guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

I pulled the thermostat to change it for preventative measure. I went to Kragen/O'Reillys and they gave me part number 37987 (Murray).
It doesn't fit. My car is a 2001 T/A WS6. The bars in front of the spring, there are two, are too wide and won't go into the opening on the block. Also, that thermostat has an extra mounting hole that doesn't go to anything on the block. This thermostat is a one piece.

The thermostat that I removed from my car is a two piece. It only has two mounting holes. The cover is a GM part and is stamped on the outside with GM. What is going on here?

I have come up with some info on this matter from searching other sites, but any suggestions from you guys here? Can you guys confirm that the water pump I have is from an LS2 judging from my thermostat? I have never run into an issue like this where I would have to order a part from a different engine.

One more thing, O'Reillys lists the same thermostat for an LS1 and LS2 GTO, which makes me confused.

5.3LJimmy

iTrader: (10)

There have been lots of other posts where people have had the same issue. New GM water pumps appear to all use the LS2 style thermostats. You may want to search in the external engine or the general maintenance section where this actually belongs for more info.

I have also had issues getting parts from O'rielly's. I was trying to buy water pump gaskets for my 99 TA and they said they didn't have them, I then asked for the gaskets for a 2000 GMC truck and they had them(gaskets are identical between the two). The parts database there is obviously not the best.

guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the info. I just realized I put this in the internal section. I ended up buying one for an 04 GTO and it works.

joecar

You can make it fit by filing down the wings on the TS.

joecar

So these pumps are made to accept the LS2 style thermostat, is that the intent...?

I have an LS1 180 TS on my replacement pump (I had to file down the TS wings)... so I take it I can replace it with a LS2 180 TS (along with the LS2 TS housing)...?

guy7bmwm83

iTrader: (5)

From my understanding, the water pump was redesigned in 2004. So all replacement pumps being sold, I am assuming, are the newer style. I think I read the two piece is more efficient or cheaper, which it is cheaper to replace only the thermostat.

PSnewbie

This summer I just replaced my water pump and thermostat and they were exact matches of the old ones. Now, I work at Advance Auto and got the parts there, plus I got the best of the best that was offered.