External Cooling lines in 454?

[gofastnut]

Hey guys,
I know on stout small blocks people will tap the rear coolant passages at the intake manifold and run lines up to the thermostat housing to get the heat out of the back of the head quicker.
Has anyone done this on a big block? Or out of the plugs at the back of the head? Would you need to? Would it help?

[b454rat]

I've never seen or heard of it, but I think that the cooling system on a big block is pretty good. Maybe search the web for cooling issues with a big block and see what comes up....

[gofastnut]

I did it to my 383 stroker, because it was cheaper than a new radiator, etc. It cooled it down about 5-7 degrees at idle on the 100+ deg days. I know the some of the guys that run Baja 1000 do it, they say it makes a difference in their engines.
Just wasn't sure if it would help on a Big Block.

[prostreetC-10]

I too have never heard of that which means nothing. One thing I can say that was done to my short block was the addition of 2 extra coolant holes in block between cylinders 1-3, and 3-5. If you look at the top pic, you will see one larger hole between cyl 5-7 toward the bottom. IF you look at the 2nd pic, you will see the other 2 holes that the first pic does not have. All BBC heads have the holes for these passages but the earlier block do not have. By adding those, it helps to cool the head around the exhaust ports where the head is the greatest. Had this done on my block to keep those aluminum investments as cool as possible.

[cdowns]

that picture cracks me up// years ago that was one of my dads favorite things to mess with a camera in scale and opticak delusions

[gofastnut]

THAT'S THE BIGGEST BIG BLOCK CHEVY I EVER SAW!!
Seriously though, I was talking externally, but I like what you pointed out also.

[prostreetC-10]

I think it's kind of the risk/reward or is it really worth the effort thing.

[storm9c1]

The mid 90's LT1 (SBC) engine has these stock. Rear crossover pipe on heads that go to a tee on the passenger side. Then this hose would terminate at the WP or reservoir (depends on setup). But the LT1 is also reverse cooled as well compared to conventional SBC. Just wanted to point out an example of a stock setup for those who never seen it.

Look at item #6 in the picture. These used banjo bolts (#31) to attach the pipe. I'm sure if you wanted to, you can do something similar on a big block. If you were resourceful enough, you could also use these LT1 parts on any engine I'm sure. I considered adding these to my 383, but my 4-core rad and 7-blade clutch fan is working great to keep it cool.