Drilling SBC Between Center Cylinders for Cooling??

[camaroman7d]

I have seen this many times over the years. Guys drill and tap the block between the middle two cylinders (4 & 6, 3 & 5). Then run a line from there to each side of the water pump where it enters the block. Is this actually effective? I have never done it and have never had heating problems. Just happened to see it again this weekend so, now I'm curious. I am in the middle of an engine build right now and thought I would ask. Since the engine will be blown and creating more heat than usual, I would like to take every precaution.

I would think that Dart would have made a provision for this if it was a worthwhile fix. I do see where there is a boss or pad on the block between the middle cylinders. Could this be there for that?

What do you guys know about this? Is this something that is recommended? Is it a waste of time and money?

[want-a-be]

I use it on my circle track builds. It helps better control the water flow for more even temp through out the engine. If you look at the way the engine pumps it's coolant you will see that most of the water is circulated in the front of the engine. On my circle track stuff I try to limit, but not block off, flow through the head gasket near the front of the engine. Hoping this will prommote water flow to the back water passages. On the small blocks I'll add a hole in the head gasket, and the block at the back of the block. Usually the head has the hole there but for some reason it's not in the head gasket or the block. Would be nice to see these hole incorporated into the machining process. Would if they politiced for the gasket manufactures to add them also.

Don

All this is just my opinion though. But I've had very good luck with it.

Don

[camaroman7d]

Don,
Thanks for your input. I am leaning towards plumbing this. I haven't heard anyone say it doesn't work. It's a simple modificationand I don't see any drawbacks.

[Awesome Bill]

It does not help control water flow at all. It has nothing to do with equal water flow. They only do that on wedge heads where the 2 center exhaust valves create the most heat. By pulling or pushing the water out right there gives those 2 cylinders a better heat release instead of just the normal front to back water flow. It does equal out those 2 cylinders as far as heat. If you do that, the engine will run more uniform. Wonder why you don't ever see that with BBC? Don't need it! They have done this for years to also help the head gasket in extreme condtions. It does pull a ton of heat out of the 2 center cylinders.

[want-a-be]

Not meaning to second guess you here Bill. But I've seen Pro Stock engines use this technology. Been awhile since I've been around those engine, but I've seen them doing it. I think they were BBCs.

The only reason I would want to "equal water flow out" would be for better thermal control. I normally don't do this on my Drag stuff.

Glad to see you back Bill,...we missed you there for a few days.
Don

[guru]

Howard Stewart Components specifically mentions it in their tech tips section:

http://www.stewartcomponents.com/tech_tips/Tech_Tips_5.htm

[want-a-be]

Howard Stewart Components specifically mentions it in their tech tips section:

http://www.stewartcomponents.com/tech_tips/Tech_Tips_5.htm

Good reading there,...thanks for posting it.

Don

[camaroman7d]

Very good read, thanks!! Explained it very well.

[Awesome Bill]

The only time I have every seen this with a BBC is when it was used on some earlier pro stock and you would not of seen it because it was under the valve cover? I still have used this process and it works for a special application only.

Just been very busy with new engine upgrades we are now offering, new head and intake manifold testing, the 5.0" Bore Stuff also is coming on, we are now running 2.4" Intake valves in the 385cc 24° stuff with over 481 cfm @ .900 lift. Wait till you see what is coming this year, 1100+hp from a conventional headed BBC 632 is very close. We have already achieved it with the Tunnel Ram 2x4 set up.

[rbrduck71]

I Love This Website!!! You Can Learn Alot!!! Thanks Guys!!!!
Rubberduck