This cooling system bundle includes:
SSR GM Thermostat
The SSR uses the same thermostat as all the other GM applications of similar engines.
This is a 187degree F thermostat that goes in the inlet to the water pump on all applications, including Tahoe, Silverado and Corvette.
The thermostat has changed part numbers several times through the years, as GM made incremental improvements in the device. The current design remains unchanged since 2008 with the update of all applications to the 12600171.
This is the latest and best engineered thermostat that GM builds for the SSR. A new seal (12570307) is recommended with the replacement of this thermostat. GM retail for that part is $33.21.
With this 187 degree thermostat on the INLET to the water pump, you can expect the (approximate) 10-12 degree F rise across the engine to yield a reading of about 197-200 degrees on the gauge. On 2006 SSRs, the gauge will read 207-210 degrees, due to a minor software change in the computer. The engine is still actually running at 197-200.
SSR GM Thermostat Housing Seal
The seal (12570307) is always recommended with the replacement of the thermostat.
SSR GM Pressure Cap
The latest design and part number that fits all SSRs, 2003-2006. It’s important to have a good seal on the side-mounted o-ring in order to hold proper pressure on the cooling system.
I strongly recommend replacement of this cap every 4-5 years, as the o-ring tends to go “flat” and could be responsible for “higher than normal” engine temperatures due to lack of proper system pressurization.