Coolant hose question
Coolant hose question
Author
Discussion

AndreasW

Original Poster:

102 posts

184 months

Monday 28th May 2012
quotequote all


I am about to install a ls engine in a SBC prepared Ultima (which was previously installed).

I already have the extra hoses from the factory, but I wonder how they should be interconnected to fit.
Especially from the thermostat housing to the pipe bottom right in the engine compartment, which goes to the cooler.

I have two pieces of aluminum tube angle.
But no matter how I combine them, I can not find a suitable combination of hose and tube angle.

Can someone please post a pic?

356Speedster

2,294 posts

254 months

Monday 28th May 2012
quotequote all
I can't help you with a pic as my swirl pot pretty much obscures all access, but I'll try to describe it in words for my fitment.

I've replaced the 45 degree thermostat housing with a vertical one (it points straight to the floor). Onto that I've got a straight piece of silicone pipe, then a 90 degree ally elbow. The ally elbow and radiator pipe are joined with another straight silicone pipe.

Mine is a very straight forwards setup, but I believe if you're using the 45 degree thermostat housing, you need a 45 degree silicone pipe, then an ally joiner, before you can get down to the bottom of the car and do the 90 degree turn to face the radiator pipe.

Hope that helps!

Storer

5,024 posts

238 months

Monday 28th May 2012
quotequote all
I used a 90 deg silicon hose on pipe from rad, short straight joiner,45 deg silicon hose onto the LS7 45 deg outlet.

Simple and you can't see the aly joiner

Paul

738 driver

1,202 posts

216 months

Monday 28th May 2012
quotequote all
For those doing their LS conversion, dont forget the LS is reverse flow and needs constant circulation over the stat....otherwise it will all mis-behave and spoil your day. Dont connect the same as the SBC.

Have a great GM drawing of how the LS cooling system needs to be plumbed up..will e-mail as required .

G luck.

TangoGTR

1,671 posts

204 months

Monday 28th May 2012
quotequote all
Same as Storer


Although not final fit, used 45 degree rubber hose from thermostat, on to metal straight connector, on to 90 degree rubber hose. Although same fuel system as Mark, I am able to fit swirl pot higher and thus not need 90 degree thermostat housing.

Hope that helps

Dave

Storer

5,024 posts

238 months

Monday 28th May 2012
quotequote all
My swirl pot is in the passenger side pod as are my pumps/filters so no issues for me.

Paul

AndreasW

Original Poster:

102 posts

184 months

Tuesday 29th May 2012
quotequote all
Many thanks to all! That was the information I needed.
Have found that a tube is missing from the original setup.