Bypass the t-stat

[SHOZ123]

On my recent run at US 41 the best run was when the engine was nice and cool. No new news with this but, the intake was not ever that hot. Cool to the touch even after making 6 runs back to back. The heads of course were quite hot.

My thinking is that the engine coolant was around 120F when I got the good run. I'm thinking of putting a loop that will bypass the thermostat on the V8.

As you may know the V8 is reverse flow and the t-stat actually lets in the cold coolant instead of letting out the hot in a normal flow.

Any thoughts? I only intend to use this during racing sessions. Here is a pic.......

 

[Chis Randolph]

Can't hurt to try, go for it.

 

[SHOZ123]

Well I managed to do this. Using the two water lines that come off the water pump and usually go to the TB. After warming the engine thoroughly I then drove around on the highway. Stopped and opened the valve. The temp dropped down to the first line above the C while driving 60 mph with a 30F ambient temp.

That's more than expected but I will not be using it at highway speeds anyway. Now to wire up my fan switch where I can turn it on at any temp from in the cabin and let the VAK turn it off at WOT. Should keep the temp where I want it which is at the second line above the C ~120F.