will the "bb" trick work on a 2001 type thermostat? and does that make it function like a 180* t'stat? thanks

 

I believe it makes it 160*. Mine runs about 180-185 after warm up. With the A/c on it runs about 195-200. Kind of wierd, but it doesn't overheat at all. In the winter it hardly ever gets over 185. And I do believe it will work on the '01 models. In the LS2 I believe they use a thermostat like the old SBs, but with the newer Gen III thermo housings. Not sure...

 

yes it works. i have had one in my truck for almost two years and no problems what so ever.....one of the great ways to save money mods imo.

 

"BB trick" please explain.

 

basically you take the stock thermostat and use some pliers or equivelant to remove the insides. once taken off truck you will see that the insides can be removed. at the bottome of the stat housing there is a protusion that will allow for a bb to be installed in. reinstall the stat parts and replace on the truck.

 

You disassemble the stock thermostat and insert a BB in the center hole, then reassemble it. The BB makes it open up sooner, just like an aftermarket thermostat. I made this a few years ago: http://z71.net/tstat.jpg

My SS had a very narrow stem inside the thermostat that wouldn't take the BB. So I just modded a spare older style thermostat and used it. 2+ years later, no problems.

 

Awesome! Cheap mods are my favroite. Got somthin to do this weekend, anybody got a bb layin around?

 

BigTex, what does your truck run at normally with the BB mod?

 

Mine runs in the 185 range without the AC on, before it was a good 205 without the AC.