Cooling system restrictor with hi volume pump

Gary Wiegand · 06-26-2012, 01:44 PM

Lyn,

What works for me on a 13+ comp. 383 sbc was to use a high flow 160 deg. thermostat with 2 or 3 small 1/8" holes drilled in the outside ring. The holes get the air out and allow for a nice "full" radiator. With more small holes or if the holes are too large like 7/32" or 1/4", the car takes too long to warm up in cool weather which is what happened if I tried to use essentially a washer with a hole in it. I also use a high flow aluminum radiator, a Meziere 35 gpm water pump and a 3,300 CFM Flex-a-lite fan which includes a shroud which is sealed to the radiator all the way around the shroud. The car basically runs what the thermostat is rated at even in hot weather. This allows me to go to the line with the SAME temp. each time. With back to back runs in 85-90 deg. air I might see 180 deg. water temp. This works for me, and eliminated trying to get the hole size "just right" with air temperatures all over the map.

06-26-2012, 01:44 PM	#6
Gary Wiegand Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 8 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Cooling system restrictor with hi volume pump Lyn, What works for me on a 13+ comp. 383 sbc was to use a high flow 160 deg. thermostat with 2 or 3 small 1/8" holes drilled in the outside ring. The holes get the air out and allow for a nice "full" radiator. With more small holes or if the holes are too large like 7/32" or 1/4", the car takes too long to warm up in cool weather which is what happened if I tried to use essentially a washer with a hole in it. I also use a high flow aluminum radiator, a Meziere 35 gpm water pump and a 3,300 CFM Flex-a-lite fan which includes a shroud which is sealed to the radiator all the way around the shroud. The car basically runs what the thermostat is rated at even in hot weather. This allows me to go to the line with the SAME temp. each time. With back to back runs in 85-90 deg. air I might see 180 deg. water temp. This works for me, and eliminated trying to get the hole size "just right" with air temperatures all over the map.