78 Vette with a 406 CI engine

[bob_robert]

I recently bought a 78 Vette with a built up 406 engine and I know that a few of the members have similar setups.

I'm correcting alot of "Barn Job" work the previous owner had done to it. My current project involves adding a HD Radiator, sealing around the fan shroud, replacing all the hoses (both vacuum and water), putting on the air dam, etc, etc.

Everything is going fine except for the upper radiator hose. A stock Vette hose will not work because it is blocked by the alternator and brackets. Also the radiator outlet is 1-1/2" while the thermostat housing nipple is 1-5/8" dia which has bulged the hose. The hose has a short bend at the radiator, is fairly straight with a slight downward bend at the thermostat housing.

I can't reach the previous owner so if anybody have any ideas what make of vehicle the hose is from or other options which might work I sure would be greatful.

Thanks for any help.;help

 

[Jack]

Get another hose. Universal hose from parts house available in various lengths and end-diameters/combos. Hose has wire molded in but is somewhat flexible ... hose is convoluted ... kinda looks like an accordian ... very common & should be readily available locally. Quite suitable for either top or bottom. We use these on race cars ... we'd spend far too much time looking for the right molded/OE-type ... if it existed ... and the convoluted hoses are more durable than molded.

Maybe consider a different t'stat housing/neck. Different models use different sizes/angles ... and aftermarket available that swivel.

Radiator INlet is nipple on TOP of rad ... rad OUTlet is nipple on BOTTOM of rad. Coolant flows OUT rad bottom and is sucked into pump ... pushed through motor ... then pushed out of motor through t'stat housing/neck and returned to top of rad.

Just a guess ... but maybe your 406 has bracketry from some other (not vette) chevy ... maybe that's why a vette top hose won't route correctly? If it has a "long" water pump ... the alt brackets probably aren't vette. BTW, when you upgrade cooling ... if you choose a Non-OE, Not direct-fit "Universal-fit aluminum radiator" ... you'll probably have to do something different with hoses again.
JACK:gap

 

[1BAD80]

The 406 block is the same size and hole locations are the same as a 350.
The reason is the different size on the radiator neck, and the matching size one on the thermostat housing. I used a stainless steel braded hose on mine. Measure across the neck on the ID and that will tell you the size. Probably 1 1/2" hose.
There are different flex hose's out there that will work, at most good auto shops, or catalog's.

 

[cruzer99]

Two possibilities, Go to your local StreetRod parts store, there is an inlet that points straight up and/or use the Kool Flex rad hose. You can shape it in any form you need and cut it to what ever length works (it's like a copper flex, chrome plated hose), and it comes with inserts that will fit any size nipple. The Kool Flex is not cheap but it looks great and works better.

 

[bob_robert]

I Found it

You won't believe this. I just got back from the last auto parts store within a 30 mile radius from the small town where I live.

I walked up to the counter with the hose and before I could even explain my problem, the old man behind the counter said "You need a hose for a 73 Chevy Impala, huh".

I could not believe it but it was the exact hose. You can bet that I will never forget that part number and that they just made a new customer for life, even though it is a 60 mile round trip to the store

:s