Cooling hoses

gfridland · #1 (**permalink**) 11-19-2002, 08:01 AM

This is my first post here on CC. What a great forum with great people.

I am building a Midstates with a 390 FE motor and was wondering if anyone would be willing to share their experiences with running cooling hoses from the radiator to the water pump. The expansion tank side is pretty straightforward. The problem I am having is clearance on the water pump outlet where I have to make a sharp 120 degree bend in a very short space to bring the hose vertical so it will clear the frame crossbrace. The space is quite limited and I was hoping that someone has dealt with this problem before and would offer some insight. Are there products that would be recommended?

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 11-19-2002, 08:23 AM

The two ways I liked to deal with custom radiator hose needs are:
Measure the required I.D. of the hose you need at both ends, go to NAPA and have the counter guy give you the book of radiator hoses, with pictures and dimensions. You may have to use two different hoses, just utilizing a piece from each to make the hose you need. The other is to have a good custom muffler/header man make you a stainless hard hose in the size and shape you need, then use two 4" sections of straight rubber hose for connections at the motor and radiator. When you have custom hardhose made, have him lay a nice welded bead around the outside edge as a hose retainer.

Clois Harlan · #3 (**permalink**) 11-19-2002, 08:32 AM

Are you using a stock water pump or do you have an aluminium edelbrock or an electric water pump?

I am running an FE (428CJ) w/ the Edelbrock water pump. The water pump end of the hose is 2 1/4" dia and my radiator hose size is 2" dia. My hose goes under my frame so I use a 2" exhaust pipe bent at 90 degrees. I think my rad hose from my water pump to my 2" pipe is Gates #20615 and my hose going from my 2" pipe to my lower radiator is a Gates #21053.

I hope this helps you a little but I am not certain how the Mid-States radiator hose is positioned or directed on your car. Good luck with your build.

Clois Harlan

gfridland · #4 (**permalink**) 11-19-2002, 08:40 AM

I'm using a stock water pump with an outlet of 2 1/4 inch. Going under the frame may be an option, but then my issue will be at the radiator where the lower connection is pointed upward creating the same problem at the other end



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