Question: 427 big block water pump pulleys

[Tom66]

Another question

A big shout out to all that have responded, THANK YOU!

I have decided to give a more robust fan a try. I will be testing that out tomorrow. I will not be using the smaller pulley; too many concerns. However the other two options are to get a stand alone new aluminum radiator or a radiator with built in fans. Does anyone have experience with DeWitts radiators: 1966-68 Big Block – DeWitts Direct Fit(R) Aluminum Radiators stand alone and combinations/with fans (the posted reviews are good)

Also it was suggested to me to run pure distilled water. Apparently that is done in racing. Thoughts?

Thanks

Tom

 

[Hib Halverson]

DeWitts makes great radiators.

You can use straight water for a coolant and it will cool better than a mix of antifreeze and water BUT there are a number of drawbacks to doing that. Provided you are understanding of them, you could consider that.

First, you absolutely cannot run just straight water. You also must also use a coolant additive intended for use in systems running only water. Two of these additives which work well are: Driven Racing Oil "CST" and Red Line "Water Wetter." These additives contain the corrosion inhibiters, antifoaming agents and water pump lubricants necessary for cooling system durability. Also, both contain a wetting agent which reduces the possibility of localized boiling inside the cooling jackets around combustion chambers. If the engine has a problem with localized boiling, which some BBCs have, that further reduces temperature.

Next, you cannot use straight water if the car is ever parked more than 8-hrs or stored where the ambient temperature goes below 32°F.

You cannot use straight water if the car is operated at high load above 5000 ft. altitude.

If you use straight water, you need to run at least a 12-psi system and preferably a 15-psi system.

You must change coolant every two years regardless of mileage.

Finally, know that straight water reduces the boil over temperature about 5°F below what you get with a 50/50° water/antifreeze mix. For example at sea level in a 15-psi system with a 50/50 mix you're going to boil at about 255°F. With straight water in a 15-psi system and you're going to boil over at about 250°F.

In all my Vettes, I use straight water and either CST or RLWW or I use an 85/15 mix of water and Dexcool antifreeze along with CST or RLWW.

 

[Tom66]

Water as a coolant

DeWitts makes great radiators.

You can use straight water for a coolant and it will cool better than a mix of antifreeze and water BUT there are a number of drawbacks to doing that. Provided you are understanding of them, you could consider that.

First, you absolutely cannot run just straight water. You also must also use a coolant additive intended for use in systems running only water. Two of these additives which work well are: Driven Racing Oil "CST" and Red Line "Water Wetter." These additives contain the corrosion inhibiters, antifoaming agents and water pump lubricants necessary for cooling system durability. Also, both contain a wetting agent which reduces the possibility of localized boiling inside the cooling jackets around combustion chambers. If the engine has a problem with localized boiling, which some BBCs have, that further reduces temperature.

Next, you cannot use straight water if the car is ever parked more than 8-hrs or stored where the ambient temperature goes below 32°F.

You cannot use straight water if the car is operated at high load above 5000 ft. altitude.

If you use straight water, you need to run at least a 12-psi system and preferably a 15-psi system.

You must change coolant every two years regardless of mileage.

Finally, know that straight water reduces the boil over temperature about 5°F below what you get with a 50/50° water/antifreeze mix. For example at sea level in a 15-psi system with a 50/50 mix you're going to boil at about 255°F. With straight water in a 15-psi system and you're going to boil over at about 250°F.

In all my Vettes, I use straight water and either CST or RLWW or I use an 85/15 mix of water and Dexcool antifreeze along with CST or RLWW.

Thanks Hib for the comprehensive reply. No wonder I have not heard of water as a coolant option. Seems very complicated for a questionable reward. I will take this off my options list. Thanks again.

 

[LLC5]

A big shout out to all that have responded, THANK YOU!

I have decided to give a more robust fan a try. I will be testing that out tomorrow. I will not be using the smaller pulley; too many concerns. However the other two options are to get a stand alone new aluminum radiator or a radiator with built in fans. Does anyone have experience with DeWitts radiators: 1966-68 Big Block – DeWitts Direct Fit(R) Aluminum Radiators stand alone and combinations/with fans (the posted reviews are good)

Also it was suggested to me to run pure distilled water. Apparently that is done in racing. Thoughts?

Thanks

Tom

I would get a name brand aluminum radiator with dedicated electric fans and be done with it, you need a lot of airflow across the radiator and condenser and that is a sure way to do it.

Racing requires a lot of work and constant maintenance, I would stick with coolant 50/50 mix with distilled water, or premix.

 

[Tom66]

Aluminum Radiator

I would get a name brand aluminum radiator with dedicated electric fans and be done with it, you need a lot of airflow across the radiator and condenser and that is a sure way to do it.

Racing requires a lot of work and constant maintenance, I would stick with coolant 50/50 mix with distilled water, or premix.

Thanks, I am coming to the same conclusion. While I want to keep the orginal look of the car, driving and good mechcanical solutions must take precedence.

Thanks again.

 

[LLC5]

Thanks, I am coming to the same conclusion. While I want to keep the orginal look of the car, driving and good mechcanical solutions must take precedence.

Thanks again.

Yep, I hear you.

Just keep all your OEM parts stored in a safe place.

 

[Tom66]

OEM Parts

Yep, I hear you.

Just keep all your OEM parts stored in a safe place.

Thanks, SOP. My garage is starting to look like a parts warehouse.