Just got a '01 WS6.. Have a few questions

Ok it's a pewter 01 WS6 T/A, M6. And I love it.. http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif But I have a few questions.

What is stock stat temp? 205? If I change to a 180 will I need to reprogram the computer or just get a fan switch?

It's got 34,000 miles. What kind of oil should I use? I'm thinking just Valvoline 10W-30 since it has treated me so well in the past.

There is a low volume, high pitched wine in the engine bay somewhere. Thinking the belt or something like that. Alternator? Anyone else have it?

Thanks guys, I'm an LT1 guy but am slowly trying to learn this marvel of an engine.

Mark

It's me again. http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif The stock t-stat is a 195* unit. You can get a Hypertech 160 t-stat that will help a lot, but I do recommend getting the Hypertech Power Programmer III to kick the fans on earlier. It will also give you the ability to raise the rev limiter, top speed limiter, correct for gearing or tire height changes, add power tuning, etc. I can get you one for $335.

Does the whine happen all of the time, or does it eventually quit? If so, I would be you're hearing your AIR pump.

As for your oil, the Chevron or Havoline "dino" oils have been doing VERY well. You can check out oil analyses, and other information, here (http://www.bobistheoilguy.com). The only way to know how your oil is truly protecting your engine is by doing an oil analysis. Terry Dyson is great, and I highly recommend him; he's in Greenville, TX, too. You can get his information from the website listed above.

Trevor - LGM

------------------
'02 SS: 11.63 @ 114.06 MPH, 1.588 60'; 3,515# raceweight, 1,102' D.A.
naturally-aspirated with bolt-ons, a cam, and a fat converter!
L.G. Motorsports (http://www.lgmotorsports.com) (972) 272-7753
Check out the SS! (http://trevor98ramair.cz28.com)

Trevor, thanks for the reply (again). I didn't think about the air pump? Maybe it is? I'll drive for awhile and see if it quits.. As for the stat, my gauge stays right below the 210 mark so I figured a 180 would help me a little.. So I don't have to reprogram? Thanks again bro

------------------
Mark
'01 WS6 T/A
M6, bone stock

Mark,

Don't rely on the stock temp guage. The only year that they were accurate for the LS1's was '98. After that, they will sit on 210 no matter what! http://web.camaross.com/bb/mad.gif I have verified my coolant temp at 178 degrees, yet the needle will STILL show just a hair under 210. Nothing like an accurate factory guage. http://web.camaross.com/bb/rolleyes.gif

As for reprogramming, I'd highly recommend it. If you don't kick the fans on earlier, you'll lose the benefit of having a cooler t-stat in town. It will run cooler on the highway, but the fans will still kick on at the factory settings. You could always get an SLP fan switch to turn them on manually. I did this on my SS right after I got it, and it worked great. Just be sure to turn them off when you get out of the car, or you'll drain the battery. http://web.camaross.com/bb/wink.gif You could also pick up the HPP3, as I mentioned earlier.

Trevor - LGM

OK, will do. I don't guess there's a way to "fix" the factory temp gauge? That is weeeiirrrd..

Dude ... you bought my car! I wanted Pewter but couldn't find one, so I settled for black instead (pics in my sig)

I think everyone has covered the fact that the stock thermostat is 195*, and the factory temp gauge is crap. People complained that the gauge moved too much so GM "fixed" it where it reads 210* for just about anything from 185 - 225. What a crock!

I highly recommend a 160* thermostat, but be warned, it isn't a $5 AutoZone thermostat. Ours run about $60 because the thermostat and housing are replaced as a single unit. (Thanks a lot, GM)

As for turning on the fans earlier ... YES! If the thermostat opens at 160* and passes the coolant, but the fans aren't on, then you really aren't doing much cooling (unless you are really flying down the road)

The whine under the hood? Well, if it is on when you start the car, but goes away when it warms up and cycles the loop mode, then it is the AIR pump (another innovative GM idea that does nothing for performance, but allows the car to pass inspection in California)

Motor oil? I use Mobil-1 or Castrol Syntec. I only use a full synthetic motor oil, and prefer Mobil-1. But, if they are out of it, I'll grab a few jugs of Castrol Syntec. None of my cars have ever seen anything else.

Enjoy your sweet ride. I want to see pics!

------------------
2001 TransAm WS6, M6 3.42
HPP, TBB, 160* t-stat, MTI Lid, Holley PowerShot, Flowmaster 80, Port/Polish MAF

www.BlackWS6.com (http://www.BlackWS6.com)

2001 Z28
-- R.I.P. - 06/25/02

[This message has been edited by rncotton (edited August 08, 2002).]

Cotton, I'm workin on the pics as we speak. http://web.camaross.com/bb/biggrin.gif But yea, the car is cherry aside from a few minors things I'm workin out. I'm thinking maybe the whine is the tensioner problem everyone's having??

------------------
Mark
'01 WS6 T/A
M6, bone stock