Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - bbc cooling question

I have a 1971 402bbc and a edelbrock rpm performer manifold and a long water pump (mechanical) can someone tell me if i have to run the little hose from the pump to the manifold or can i just plug the holes off and what is the hose for?


Thanks

Im not absolutly sure what the hose it is for i believe it is there so when the thermostat is closed it alowes water to recurculate and all the bbc's my friends from street motors to blown drag motors all have it hooked up so i would say yes it needs to be there

yeah i agree it does let water flow when the thermo is closed, and you do need it .

I don't use it, I just drilled 3 or four 1/8" holes around the edge of the thermostat for a bypass.

We don't use it ether, if you look at most aftermarket pumps they dont have it anyway. A full drag motor usually don't have a therm, at least I've never seen it, and they run fine. If it's a street type car than I would use it, it will help keep everything flowing smoothly.

If you're that worried about it, and don't want to run it, then drill a small hole in the therm, or a restrictor plate, like it was mentioned.