Auto Parts: CHEVY ENGINE SWAP, pep boys, fuel mileage

Question
MY WIFE JUST PURCHASED A 1991 SILVERADO THE ORIGINAL ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A V8 CAR ENGINE 1990 TO 1998 ( EXACT YEAR OR VECHILE MODEL UNKNOWN)THIS REPLACEMENT ENGINE USES THE SAME SENSERS CARB AND COMPUTER THAT THE TRUCK USED. IT HAS STARTED TO OVER HEAT AND I PLAN ON CHANGING THE THERMOSTAT. THE TRUCK CALLS FOR A 195% THORMOSTAT CAN I OR SHOULD I PUT IN A LOWER RATED ONE ? I HAVE CHECKED ALL THE OTHER COLLING COMPONETS AND THEY ARE WORKING PROPERLY. PS OUR WINTERS ARE NOT THAT SEVERE IN TENN.

Answer
Hi Dino,

Thermostat open-rating has nothing to do with your mild winters. Replace with the same thermostat or other sensors may suffer because of the temperature difference which may affect emissions, drivability and/or fuel mileage.

Contrary to what you might think, a thermostat isn't in there so you get heat in the winter. It's there to stop the vehicle from over/under heating. A cold engine is very fuel in-efficient and likewise, a excessively hot engine runs sluggishly.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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