Thermostat Cable Adjustment, How to... Options

[yeahmag]

Is there any particular way to install the thermostat cable? Watching Jake's video they didn't obviously make it tight. When I set mine up I used vice grips to keep it taught while I tightened the the nut on the flaps.

Opinions?

Additionally, is the bottom plate that covers the thermostat (attaches to the HE) necessary? I'm missing the one opposite the t-stat and was thinking of leaving them both off as you wouldn't use them with a header anyway.

Thanks.

-Aaron

[Dave_Darling]

I leave it unhooked, then go for a nice drive. Once the engine is good and warm, the thermostat should be all the way open. Then I pull the cable (mostly) taut with a pair of pliers and tighten the clamping bolt on the little lever on the cross-shaft. The springs should have pushed the flaps to the "max cooling" position, which is just where you want them when the engine is warm.

It's best to have the tin piece on the bottom in place; I am told the t-stat won't open as easily without it there.

--DD