TB Coolant Crossover/Bypass, Any Disadvantages?

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by efnfast

Major thanks Dyno. I'll go through all the finer details when I have a chance, like reading up in the (your) solutions.

Scrrem, what did you use for plugs?

See Item #4 LT5 Eliminated Systems

See Summit Racing for Aluminum Pipe Plugs.

When you install the plugs.....keep trying the plugs as you tap to make sure the final installation is about flush or out 1/16 inch and use Permatex on the plugs.. The Injector Housing Plug must be FLUSH however.

[Scrrem]

I had a local guy here use his metal lathe and turned some aluminum plugs tuned to match the port opening and drove them in flush with some red loctite.
Rich

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by efnfast

What are the down sides to this? Other than the freezing issues I've read about.
Drill, tap and plug the holes? -Steve

If you bypass the TB coolant then any number of FSM recommended procedures may be effected (kludge side effects) So you'd be in that category of those that must jack the car side ways and shake and or blow air in to force coolant through or crack open the seal on the top of the water pump to get the air out and/or other work-arounds.
I'm just not so sure about the TB bypass. I'd be worried about blowing up a cylinder sleeve or worse if a piece of ice should form then finds it's way into the engine. But then again if you live in a freezing cold winter environment where you don't drive your car in winter or you live in a warm year round climate there'd be no issue.
I've not heard of anyone stepping up and admitting they're engine toasted and then making the connection with the TB bypass. That could be because there is no connection OR that the connection has not been associated. (for various reasons including denial).
I have to figure the engine designers would not add such a design feature as coolant to the TB without good reason. Mine is intact not RIPPED OUT
I wouldn't count on hearing any downside from those that have RIPPPED the TB coolant path out

[efnfast]

Thanks Scott, I don't drive it in the winter. And we certainly have winter around here. Denial can be a dangerous and powerful thing.
I do like the cleaner look of the engine bay, and wouldn't this keep the incoming air cooler? More cooler being more better.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by efnfast

Denial can be a dangerous and powerful thing.
I do like the cleaner look of the engine bay

Me also on Cleaner Look
No Denial here

1991 LT5


1990 LT5



Marc has found that the throttle body (TB Coolant Blocked) has no problem with ice when the ambient temperature is at 20 degrees and the humidity is 90%

As discussed in......Throttle Body Heat Bypass Line

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by efnfast

Thanks Scott, I don't drive it in the winter. And we certainly have winter around here. Denial can be a dangerous and powerful thing.
I do like the cleaner look of the engine bay, and wouldn't this keep the incoming air cooler? More cooler being more better.

It does indeed uncluttered the look. For me where I live winter is
mid 40s most of the time and a bit high on humidity. Perfect storm for icing. Bypassing the TB is not for everyone and it is important to be clear about that to all. There are those that would propose that it is the cure for everyone. That's just like the "snake oil" salesman approach.

[batchman]

Originally Posted by scottfab

I'd be worried about blowing up a cylinder sleeve or worse if a piece of ice should form then finds it's way into the engine.

I think the historic concern with icing relates to throttles sticking, learned that the hard way with carb with removed pre-heat plus winter plus open hood scoop on my old b302, pretty exciting at the time LOL. No way is a piece of ice going to cause internal damage, it is not hard enough and would not melt to make enough water to hydrolock the engine either.

I'm looking forward to dry plenum pulls, less complexity, and less weight for the race car. I know there are plenty of folks who would not/should not be modding these cars, but if my class rules allow it and it can be un-done later I'm a candidate and will continue to appreciate both sides of such discussions.

Cheers,
- Jeff

[Coupe89]

What did you use to cap off the coolant line on the passenger side? Was it capped on the rubber hose or the metal?

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by Coupe89

What did you use to cap off the coolant line on the passenger side? Was it capped on the rubber hose or the metal?

A brass nipple that fits tight inside the rubber hose with a male 1/4 inch pipe thread and a 1/4 inch Brass pipe thread cap (female thread)

I left about 2 or 3 inches of rubber hose above the "T" that connects (did connect) the TB vent, Radiator top vent, and Coolant surge container in front of passenger side (the highest point in the LT5 Coolant System).

See Tech Info - LT5 Coolant Flow Calculations

See Item #4 LT5 Eliminated Systems

See Filling With Coolant and the Air Locked Water Pump

[efnfast]

Hey Jeff, wanna come up and watch, learn, help when I do this? I'm guessing multi days.
I've got a spare bedroom (good if anybody brings the wife) and two hide a beds. Anybody that comes is welcome to stay.