put a new thermostat in my Ion and since then I have less heat so I just want to be sure I did everything right. From the water pump is the side for the spring and pill for the thermostat right and that plastic thing should hold the placement of the thermostat. The new thermostat is a 180 degree just like the old one but the temp gauge reads just a little lower and with the heat on high it is only passable where before the replacement I had all the heat I needed. Warmup is about the same only a little less total temp and less heat. Going to put a header on this car and replace the thermostat and just don't want to miss anything

 

Where'd you get it? If at your local Autozone or Advance, odds are that it's defective out of the box. I'd suggest getting one from your local GM dealer. If you get aftermarket, get a Stant. You might also just be low on coolant. Did you remember to top it off after the change? You might also try flushing the heater core.

 

Well, I don't remember anything for the thermo housing being plastic.


Overall engine temp being a tad lower is normal. As to why you don't have as much heat in the car, heater core is probably on its way out.


Header, don't do a shorty. Its no better than stock. Either go mid length or long tube.

 

headers did not fit,they ran into the thermostat housing with #4 pipe While exhaust was off I replaced the thermostat and now the gauge moves to the middle and I have more heat than I can handle so all is good except I am upset about the headers but I have fixed all exhaust leaks and I cannot remember when this little POC was so quiet

 

I had that issue with my redline. Heat up that spot of the header with a torch, tap it with a hammer until there is a small dent, and youll be fine.