Ok.. I need a new temp sensor, or so I think thats what its called..
The coolant temp sensor is located on the water neck correct? I "believe" this is for the computer as ive received a temp reading w/ this unhooked. I need to know what the temp sensor, on the drivers side of the block is called. Mine isnt working anymore and i need a new one, but i cant find it online @ checker or w/e. Driving me nuts w/ no temp reading :(

Oh hell.. I finally figured it out.. They call it the temperature SWITCH! Ugh..

The coolant sensor near the thermostat housing is used by the ECM (computer). The sensor in the head on the drivers side is the one that operates the temperature gauge in the dash. Both are called coolant temperature sensors or temperature sending units.

The one for the ecm is called a coolant temperature sensor.

The one for your gauge is called a coolant temperature sending unit.

If you have an idiot light it is called a coolant temperature switch.

These descriptions as per the factory manual and Alldata.

Regardless, depending on where you buy the part and what brand you buy they could be called anything.

Both Rock Auto at http://www.rockauto.com and Discount Auto Parts at
http://www.discountautoparts.com have Delco units. Unfortunately, it's difficult to determine exactly which one you need as there were a few styles used throughout the '70s/'80s. Most of the Delco units listed at Rock also have pictures which will help you decide if that's the right one. They have shipped units to me and told me to return it if it was the wrong one; they do charge you but will give you a refund.

As someone mentioned, you have to be a bit creative and knowledgeable in order to find the things listed on the Rock pages because they can be located under the oddest listings. The cooling sensors/switches are found under both the cooling system, AND also under Electrical Switches. Same for oil pressure sensors/senders/switches. DAP's site is a bit easier to find things because you can highlight an entire menu of items that will then ALL be listed (as available). I often go to DAP's site after Rock's; but sometimes, I'll find something on DAP's site then go to Rock's and use the Part Number search, especially for Delco parts which most often have pictures of the part.

And of course, both companies accept web orders, as I mentioned above. Their prices are generally about the same or lower than most other folks, too.