Removing The Thermostat: 305 V8

Feels like Summer has arrived and I could use some advice / direction on how to remove the thermostat on my 305 V8. Simple but deceptive to me. I have disassembled most of the items shown but stopped short of the TPI intake. As most of you know, the access is extremely limited, I tried angled joints but I don't want to strip it coming from experience.

Prior to removing the leaky waterpump, I soaked the 4 bolts with Deep Creep penetrating spray. Drained the radiator. I also disconnected the negative battery cable, Weatherpack plugs, small hoses. I have not disassembled the TPI throttle linkage yet obviously.

I figured might as well do the thermostat and I find it's sort of difficult to access the front foremost bolt of the thermostat housing without removing the TPI air plenum assembly. If I go remove the front TPI plenum I am sure to acheive easy access to the offending bolt but then I have to locate a gasket kit which I'm ordering asap.

Questions:
1- What tool would be help me out? I am guessing an angled box wrench which I have no such set yet but to buy now.
2- On the thermostat temp, should I go stock 195* or 180*? Just for happy cruising.
3- :confused: Removing the front TPI assembly, it looks fairly easy to do right?
4- Have I disturbed the TPS setting by unplugging it? I just want to clean the black crud I am expecting to see beyond the throttle plates.

Thanks for your feedback in advance! My IROC Z28 has been a solid and dependable vehicle for many years.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/BlackCamaroRulez/SANY0614-1.jpg

im responding because this message board sucksss latley and you get left hanging on advice bullshi% as long as u didnt move around the tps itself u shouldnt have disturbed anything,, as far as the other questions idk but i know the lower temp thermostat = more power a cooler car is a happy car so id go a tad bit lower

LordMetal, I was looking for a more in depth answer but I managed to move on with my engine, thanks for your input. I guess the forum people are on vacation...

OK I went ahead removing the front TPI plenum assembly that was easy and exposed the Thermostat housing. So far so good til now.

New problem arised after removing the first bolt which was not cooperative but the rear bolt head stripped off. Both bolts were soaked for a few hours with Deep Creep penetrating lube but not long enough I assume. What I feared before and previously mentioned has occurred now. Just my bad luck !

Question: What now? Remove the intake manifold? I have heard of a bolt extractor but want technical opinions first. We can see that the original owner used globs of blue gasket maker and got it on the bolt threads to make my job frustrating. I am now considering an intake manifold upgrade, maybe.

Photo attatched for review:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/BlackCamaroRulez/SANY0615.jpg

Get a bolt extractor on there, no need to go through the hassle of removing the entire manifold.

Sorry I did not see your thread untill now, I would have been glad to tell you your TPS is ok, and that you need to remove the Throttle Body by removing 4 10MM bolts :)

Photo attatched for review:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/BlackCamaroRulez/SANY0615.jpg

Carefully check that vacuum hose that hooks to the bottom of the T/B...looks like theres a pin hole in it about 3/4" from that rubber end.