I looked at the picture of the right thermostat on shoebox's web-site and I have the right one. Mine has the black rubber gasket all the way around it and is the long style like shown in the picture. Is replacing the waterpump on the lt1 a hard job? That's the only other thing I can think to try. What is the air dam and how do I check it to make sure its there?

 

Replacing the water pump is an easy job, just make sure you don't get any water on the opti. The gasket set is like $5 and will take an hour or three depending on your experience level. Also, follow the proper air bleed procedure after you're all done.

The air dam is the flat black plastic "chin spoiler" looking thing that hangs down under the front of the car. If this thing gets knocked off from road debris or a parking barricade your car WILL overheat. You can see it in this pic:

 

I just checked my car, I don't think I have an air dam under it. Just to clarify it's a black plastic piece that should hang down below the ground effects right? Where can I purchase just this piece? I did some looking on the net and all I can find is body-kits. I don't want a body-kit I just want the air dam.

 

Yea that piece is very important, it pretty much pushes the air to the radiatior. Without it your radiator wont cool. If you have a local junk yard thats a good place. I dont think it matters if it is a v-6 or v-8 model. If not and you can afford to wait you should be able to find one on here from someone parting out there car.

 

Bought one off ebay for 15 bux. Hopefully this will fix it...thanks for all the help guys.