Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - Reverse Flow cooling... Dry intake... questions

Ok... I want to ditch the lt1 along with all the cons with it. Then build a EFI SBC and give it all the advantages that the lt1 had.

I want reverse flow cooling because I can run more boost or timing on a given grade of gasoline. So what does it take to make a reverse cooled SBC?

And I do not want any coolant flowing through the intake if at all possible.


Anyone have tips or ideas?

What are you problems with the lt1 system? If you dont like the opti you can drill the back of the lt1 intake manifold out and shim it for an old school distributor. Not sure if lt1 blocks have a rear opening for an old school distributor to access the cam or not. This site will modify your intake if you want to go that route.

http://www.lt1intake.com/files/swapping.htm

What are you problems with the lt1 system? If you dont like the opti you can drill the back of the lt1 intake manifold out and shim it for an old school distributor. Not sure if lt1 blocks have a rear opening for an old school distributor to access the cam or not. This site will modify your intake if you want to go that route.

http://www.lt1intake.com/files/swapping.htm

well considering i want a SBC intake... SBC heads... SBC block.... i mise well go SBC...

if i cant have a dry intake i dont care... and the reverse flow cooling would jsut be a plus... there are far more reasons for me to go to the SBC than not to (like the fact that if it says "lt1" on it, it's going to cost more.)

well considering i want a SBC intake... SBC heads... SBC block.... i mise well go SBC...

if i cant have a dry intake i dont care... and the reverse flow cooling would jsut be a plus... there are far more reasons for me to go to the SBC than not to (like the fact that if it says "lt1" on it, it's going to cost more.)

What heads and intake do you plan on using?

What heads and intake do you plan on using?
intake is going to be a EFI Victor Jr most likely.. heads..well there are so many choices i not sure yet...

It is very easy, I've posted this somewhere before, but I'll tell u how we do it for dragracing. I only use BBC but it's the same. The dry intake is easy also, we used sheet metal intakes, so they come dry, but you can just block yours with a small plate.
We drill a hole in the front of the heads and tap for a -12 hose. You will either have to buy or build a manifold to replace the stock H2O pump. We do use an inline pump.

So mount the pump near the radiator output, pump into head, thru block, out of manifold, back into radiator. Obviously -12 hose is very expensive, and the fittings are nuts. If you want it cheap, try rubber. If I missed anything, write me, or someone will probably catch it.

It is very easy, I've posted this somewhere before, but I'll tell u how we do it for dragracing. I only use BBC but it's the same. The dry intake is easy also, we used sheet metal intakes, so they come dry, but you can just block yours with a small plate.
We drill a hole in the front of the heads and tap for a -12 hose. You will either have to buy or build a manifold to replace the stock H2O pump. We do use an inline pump.

So mount the pump near the radiator output, pump into head, thru block, out of manifold, back into radiator. Obviously -12 hose is very expensive, and the fittings are nuts. If you want it cheap, try rubber. If I missed anything, write me, or someone will probably catch it.

Can you give me some pics? This is good information and sounds like i may be able to do what I was planning. Are you drilling both heards... merging... and having that hose go to the bottom of the radiator? Out of the intake to the top.

Now you used a inline pump for your water pump... any suggestion on what to use (consider space a concern and this will be a weekend street warrior... so can't have something that isn't reliable). And what can I do for a waterpump manifold... links or suggestions would help a ton.

Thanks a TON... this was probly the most helpful post I have ever read on LS1tech. lol. Thanks again.


FORGOT TO ADD... if This were on a half filled block... would it cool well on a street driven vehicle? I know that is pushing it (somewhat), but people seem to have great luck with the half fill on street cars. I figure the Reverse flow cooling would only compliment that.

Looking for pictures, found a kit from shogun, part #2260 ?? it was in an old catalog, call them. Or do like we do and make our own with a dedenbear pump & manifold. Will keep looking for the picture disc.

ok cool. So you merge the lines going to the heads right?

They make reverse flow pumps for the SBC.... would that work the same?

Sounds like there is more options than i thought there was going to be.

How do you know where to drill holes in the head? Just kinda "knowing" where the coolant passage is and drilling in that area?

Alu-weld the holes up, CNC it to be flush. Will that work for ya? You can do any intake then.

We don't fill in the runners, because then when you upgrade, or try to sell it's useless to anyone else. Can't find my pictures and my digital is broke. I'll send u my phone number later, and I'll talk u thru it. Wifes calling, she's sick, have to go now.

I've got a set-up on my SBC that I modified myself, I removed the thermostat housing from the intake, routed entry lines to the back of the block (right under the head) and in the center of the head (right under the middle exhuast ports), water comes out of the rear and out of the front of the intake and I made a small water manifold/thermostat housing with 4 inlets from the heads and 1 outlet to the top of the rad! Water is pumped into the heads right from a fitting on the water pump along with the stock inlet in the block. Basically this will keep cool water at the top of the engine (heads) and get it right out (so it doesn't stay there too long, which is considered the problem with old SBC). I will use restricter plates or maybe a thermostat don't know yet, gotta see how effective it will be, but I'm sure it won't hurt performance! Along with that mod I have a Edelbrock series aluminum WP and will be using Evans Coolant! If you send me your e-mail I'll send you pics! It looks great, just gotta see how effective it is!

I've got a set-up on my SBC that I modified myself, I removed the thermostat housing from the intake, routed entry lines to the back of the block (right under the head) and in the center of the head (right under the middle exhuast ports), water comes out of the rear and out of the front of the intake and I made a small water manifold/thermostat housing with 4 inlets from the heads and 1 outlet to the top of the rad! Water is pumped into the heads right from a fitting on the water pump along with the stock inlet in the block. Basically this will keep cool water at the top of the engine (heads) and get it right out (so it doesn't stay there too long, which is considered the problem with old SBC). I will use restricter plates or maybe a thermostat don't know yet, gotta see how effective it will be, but I'm sure it won't hurt performance! Along with that mod I have a Edelbrock series aluminum WP and will be using Evans Coolant! If you send me your e-mail I'll send you pics! It looks great, just gotta see how effective it is!

Wow that sounds confusing as hell! lol.