01-23-2009, 05:19 PM
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CC Member
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Dacula, (Atlanta),
GA
Cobra Make, Engine: Unique 427 SC, Southern Automotive 427W Stroker
Posts: 1,649
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Not Ranked
Expansion tank install
–AKA Diary of a butcher
There really wasn’t anything wrong with the way my cooling system was plumbed prior to my embarkation on this project. Coolflex hose from radiator to in-line filler and Coolflex hose from filler to chrome 45 degree thermostat housing on polished Vic. Jr. intake. I’ve never liked the filler hanging in the engine bay and I’ve always liked those polished 427 style expansion tanks (Steve, I’ll never forgive you for offering me the tank).
The journey begins: First realization (though no big surprise) alternator has to be relocated. It was in the passenger side upper location being supported by a nice billet aluminum March bracket assembly. March package gets slung into the weeds. Ouch! Passenger side lower – interferes with chassis. Driver’s side, hits the steering rack. Aha, there’s a 7/16” threaded hole in my Trick Flow aluminum head close to the intake. Uh oh, coil in the way. Fine. Relocate the coil to the hole where the alternator used to be. Now for a new (aka custom) alternator mounting system. The 6.25 x 7/16” mounting bolt that the alternator pivots on (from the March kit) is now two inches too short. I found one in Minnesota, but I have to buy $200 worth. No good. Found some all thread rod at Ace. Ordered a chrome crown nut and washers from Mesa, AZ and a chrome sleeve that used to be towel rack at the Home Depot. Looks pretty good. But I need a lower support since the rod is so long and the alternator is a bit heavy. Hey, I’ll use a March adjustment rod to extend up from another fastener location on my Holley water pump. But it has to be 3/8” on one end and 7/16” on the other. Damn. No such puppy. Off to Summit. Found some more parts. Broke out the vise, drill and taps – presto, another handmade custom part. Back to the Depot for wire and a butt splice to extend the alternator wire. Alternator relocation complete.
Back to the tank: Chrome 90 degree thermostat housing arrives. Housing plus tank mounting spacer requires bolts 5/16 x 2.75”, chrome no less. Only place they’re used is on the space shuttle. Can’t afford them. More all thread rod and chrome crown nuts. Tank spacer is ugly. Break out the polish and put a shine on it. Looks good. Drill out tank mounting holes per instructions, smoke drill. Rent drill from the Depot to complete holes. Install tank. Whoops, fuel line and filter are in the way. Never liked it anyway. Purchase stainless braided fuel line kit. Filter has to be relocated so hard line from the fuel pump has to be removed shortened and deburred. Hell, might as well polish it too. Finish tank install. Looks great. Time to connect to radiator. Purchased new 36” Coolflex hose kit. Yikes! It only fits ports 1.75” or smaller. Expansion tank is 2”. Order 2” Coolflex adapter from Summit. It fits great, but the polished cover won’t fit. Order 2” polished cover directly from Coolflex (Summit doesn’t carry it). Hasn’t arrived, but I have high hopes.
Miscellaneous: I tried three fan belts until I got one that would work. Bypass hose was interesting. Since I’ve essentially replaced everything on the engine that carries fluid, what’s the chance it won’t look like Niagara Falls the first time I fire her up. I have to admit, I am having fun with it. It will be nice. I know folks who have completely assembled cars in less time than it's taking me to install this tank. Good thing it's cold and raining.
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After a good hard ride.....oil pressure is over 50, temp is below 190, she idles and no new dents. LIFE IS GOOD!
Last edited by Tony Radford; 01-23-2009 at 05:57 PM..
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