I am running a 351c and doing an engine swap this winter. I have done number of parades in pretty hot weather, and wonder if anyone has tried these?
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/
Are they worth the money and do they really keep you cooler?
The most important part of running a 351C in hot weather is the thermostat. You have to have the right thermostat including the top hat and also the spacer MUST be installed. The stock water pump is really pretty good, good enough to pump water all the way from the middle of a Pantera to the Front mounted radiator. Even in those cars the issue was not moving enough water, but getting enough air through the radiator. I am sure the Flow cooler is a great product, but the real problem is the unique thermostat arrangement on the Cleveland.
Bill is absolutely right. Once I got my thermostat and sending unit situation straightened out, I stopped having cooling issues, even with the A/C on full blast in 90+ degree weather. All the aftermarket parts you throw at it will just mask the real issue.
I am pretty sure I know what the top hat is, but a spacer? I have not heard of before. Do you have a picture?
The one on the left that says top is the part I was talking about. The correct thermostat has a little top hat that seals the opening in the middle. The part on the left is used to block the bypass passage permanently, but cannot be used with the correct style thermostat. Clear as mud?
If you look at the bottom of this thermostat, you can barely see the top hat that seals off the hole in the middle of the bypass plate.
If you look at the very bottom of this thermostat, you will notice the top hat is missing. The difference is subtle.
Yeah, make sure you have the right parts in the system. Then if you have a problem, address it. The above is the most common cause of overheating Clevelands.
Great info guys, thank you.