GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit

GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit

$325.00
Skip to product information
GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
  • GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit
Product: GVW-THERM-HSNG-DLX
Works With: 1986-1991
Manufacturer: GoWesty
Availability: Low Stock
Wrench Rating: Requires some hand & power tools and minimal mechanical knowledge.
$325.00

Does this part fit your vehicle? Log in to your account & update your profile!

Whether you have a late-model 2WD or a Syncro, this thermostat housing kit is the absolute best money can buy. It is unrivaled in performance and durability, but it comes at a price. If you are looking for a low-cost replacement for your thermostat components, we offer two more budget-friendly options here, and here.

This kit fits the following vehicles: All 1986-91 2WD & 4WD Syncro Vanagon with the late style 2.1 cooling system. Does NOT fit diesel.

Backstory: Not so long ago, lower thermostat housings for 2WD and Syncro went out of production and quickly became NLA (no longer available). Because of this, we were forced to put on our engineering hats and design a replacement part which we sell on this page. We used our expertise in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics to ensure that our thermostat housing unit works perfectly and won't introduce any "mysterious" problems that might occur if strict attention to detail were not applied. The process was definitely trickier than one might expect. The original thermostat housing was made of injection-molded plastic (on 4WD Vanagons, it was crafted of cast aluminum). Because we used an entirely different manufacturing process, we had to make design decisions based on how coolant flows and behaves at varying temperatures. The most important improvement we made was eliminating two specialty VW hoses with connecting ends of varying diameters (025-121-058E and 025-121-058B). Our removable fore/aft nipples eliminate the need for these specialty formed hoses, replacing them with consistent-diameter hose (included).

Fast forward a couple of years and the OEM plastic part and an aftermarket cast aluminum part are now also available. We are offering all three varieties to satisfy the needs of the market, with the plastic part being the least durable and least smart. The cast aluminum part is an improvement over the plastic part, yet still inferior to our stronger and highly corrosion-resistant billet anodized part. So, whether you are looking for something on either end of the spectrum, or somewhere in between, GoWesty has you covered.

This kit includes: GoWesty-designed anodized billet aluminum housing, sending units, cooling hose, connectors, fasteners, and Loctite thread locker. Also included is the GoWesty Temperature Gauge Calibration Kit. We developed this device after experiencing temp gauge anomalies on some in-house installations. Theoretically, any temp gauge in a water-cooled Vanagon should read the same with any of the three types of senders VW used. In practice, we've occasionally found slight differences in coolant temp gauge readings after installing our thermostat housing kit. This is due not only to a difference in the included sensor, but also a lower electrical resistance in the whole circuit due to a nice, new all-metal thermostat housing (and the subsequent elimination of the old, corroded wire). Instructions are included to calibrate the temperature gauge (if necessary).

NOTE: This kit does not include the thermostat cover (often referred to as the "upper thermostat housing"). That part is still available new in billet aluminum, or plastic - although it rarely needs to be replaced.
  • 5 stars: 3 (75%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (25%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
J
Jim V.

It's not a given that upon believing you are replacing your almost 40 yr old housing with the latest hi-tech durable housing that you automatically assume you're getting the matching hi-tech housing cap. I kinda wish GW would have suggested this in the Description. I'm hearing that the old plastic housing caps aren't problematic. Looks like a prior owner over tightened the 4 cap screws - I found 2 small cracks. Job not done as I had to order the upgraded cap.
Would be nice if GW added this cap in their bundle.

J
Jeff D.
GoWesty Thermostat Housing Kit

This is a must have update to your vanagon. The old plastic housing needs to be discarded simply because the plastic breaks down over time. The price tag hurts a little however once this item arrives and you hold it in your hand you realize the thought that when into the design. Very nice product, 5 stars. r/Jeff

T
Thomas C.
Thermostat body kit

This is a very well built and sturdy housing kit. A great upgrade from the original plastic housing!

J
Jason C.
Solid

Great product! Highly recommend! Make sure you double check the brass fittings for proper size prior to install.