Hey guys, I have an 02 SS and I'm getting ready to have a mechanic friend do the upper and lower intake gaskets(surprise, surprise...) I read that I should pick up the coolant elbows for the water pump as well since they frequently break when being removed. Can I get them at Auto Zone? Are they a certain size? I checked their website and can't seem to fine them, what do I ask for?

Thanks in advance, Dylan

 

The 3800 is the only car (I know of) with coolant elbows. You have 3 options:
1 - Dorman replacement plastic elbows. Parts store, about $5-$10
2 - Dorman replacement aluminum elbows. Parts store, about $5-$10
3 - GM replacement plastic elbows. Dealer item, about $30

Some stores may not have option #2, but I've seen option #1 at ALL major parts stores.

Now, Dorman has had a lot of people about a year or two ago complaining their elbows were "popping" out. Allegedly, they had a run with incorrect O-rings. I ran a set one spring, parked the Monte for winter, next spring first ride into work, and an elbow pushed out. I replaced with a GM elbow set, so far so good (see how it holds up this year). The castings of the elbows are different, but I don't know if that makes a difference.

If you are going Dorman, get the aluminum ones (they should last a lot longer). Heck, I have a set of aluminum ones as spares in my garage right now....

 

Thanks a lot man!

 

plastic dorman part # 47065 4.99
Aluminum dorman part # 47065hp 11.99

these price are from oreilly auto parts web site

 

appreciate that, boss

 

is the dealer ones better and are they metal ones?For $30 should be metal.

 

i see now you said plastic from dealer