Reverse-flow cooling

[MaineShark]

How much effort is it to convert a regular small-block to the reverse-flow cooling used in the more recent performance engines?

There are obvious advantages, but what is the cost?

Or, alternatively, is it possible to stroke the later reverse-flow engines to a higher displacement?

I've pretty much decided on a 383 when I do my '73 project in a few years, but I also like the idea of reverse-flow cooling, and being able to push the compression a few points higher. I guess that leaves me with those two options (covert a regular small-block to reverse-flow, or stroke a reverse-flow block).

Thoughts?

Joe

 

[silver 80]

I don't think that you can convert to reverse flow cooling:confused
tom
then again I'm not that good with engines.:L

 

[Tom73]

The late engines are totaly different engines then the Classic Small Block Chevy so don't think it would be possable to convert the Classic SBC.

I have seen the LS1 taken out to 427 ci, so you could go that way.

tom...

 

[Last Ride]

Are the LSx motors reverse cooled? I know the LTx motors are, but I didn't think the LSx motors were. In any case, I think pretty much anything could be done with time and money, but you might be better off going with the late-model block and heads. I know they make kits now to add a carb to the LTx, but I personally think the fuel injection route is the one to take (see sig.) I know the LTx can go as high as 420 CID, but I think that is about the reliable limit. In any case, good luck with your buildup!

 

[MaineShark]

I've heard of it being done, so I'm pretty sure it is possible. I believe holes were drilled and tapped into the water passages, and water was routed through external piping, to change the flow-path.

On the other hand, I've been thinking about it, and doing some reading, and it sounds like the reverse flow really only gains a couple degrees of efficiency, at most. I'm now thinking that maybe investing the same money in a better cooling system would get me more than that. Unless, of course, someone pipes up and says "no, reverse-flow really isn't that expensive."

Joe

 

[warren s]

If you are going to do an engine for a 73, there is little need for reverse flow cooling. You can run a high compression ratio and and a much richer mixture than what have would been needed to pass emissions for an early 90s vehicle.

The cyl. head temps run much cooler when you dont have a computer pushing timing to the edge and leaning out the mixture to the extreem.

 

[70 LS1]

The LS1/LS6 engine is not reverse cooled.

 

[WayneLBurnham]

Not the usual first water path alteration

Not sure on SBC's specifically in Vette's, but the standard first alteration on SBC's is to run the connector - or "Y- Pipe" - between the heads at the rear. Usually this is coupled with switching to a restrictor orifice of larger size and a performance mechanical or electrical water pump.

This has the effect of cooling the heads decently first - all the way - including the back upper wall of #7 & #8 (where head gaskets often fail) and the region between #5&#7 and #6&#8 lower in the block. I don't think that latter matters a great deal except in the extreme cylinder pressure versions - and especially in earlier aluminum blocks.

Reverse flow shouldn't be that great a deal if you switch to an electric water pump, although I don't know how common or necessary this is in vette's.

I also don't know if you have enough room for a regular "Y pipe" - with sufficient height without hitting 'glass.