Rob,
I used the stock alternator mount and the stock thermostat housing. I am using a 180* thermostat drilled with 4 1/8" holes.
The return line for the 87 -88 Fiero heater goes back into the coolant tube on the passenger side. The heater return line for the 3800 is in the alternator braket and is the one closest to the back of the car.
To fill the coolant, I elevate the rear of the car and attach a piece of heater hose on the 3800 return in the alternator bracket. I open the bleed screw on the top of the stock thermostat housing and fill coolant with a funnel through the heater return. After the radiator is full and the cap is replaced, you can hear the air escaping from the motor through the bleed screw as you continue to add coolant. When coolant without air comes out of the thermostat housing, close the bleed screw and continue to fill untill the heater hose attached to the heater return line on the alternator bracket is full. Remove the heater hose from return inlet on the alternator bracket and cap it with a rubber cap and hose clamp. The caps are available in the HELP section of an auto parts store.
I have used this method on initial fills and never had to re-bleed the system nor have I had any air in the cooling system or cooling problems.
I hope this helps.
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Bill Levin
[This message has been edited by 87GT3800SC5SPD (edited 09-26-2004).]
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