Need advice... 96 DOHC cooling crossover mod

[Teksid Rick SVT]

I must admit...I am finding out there is a lot to learn about the modular engines... o.k. I am ready to stuff the motor (96 cobra)... but now I read about the coolant crossover mod from LDC Chicago ( no longer avail) Is this a good mod? Leave it stock? Do Cyl #7,8 run hot...is that correct?
I am a lifer master mechanic by trade... so... I can do it...BUT,does it need doing? I am stumped... :undecided: I am trying to avoid future problems (overheating) killing #7,8 would be not be fair...:shocked:

I may have to go into total fabrication mode ( using Lincoln mark Vlll cyl head water tubes... From what I have seen...there are.... Absolutely no 1996-98 4v LDC Chicago cooling crossover kits...that I can find. :cry: HELP

Thank you in advance,
Rick

 

[MustangChris]

Well,

The coolant crossover mod is most common on 03/04 DOHCs ("C heads") the coolant passage on these heads makes a u-turn on the driver's side rear. This is a high-heat area due to this (the coolant isn't purged, its re-run through the system.)

To *remedy* (not a "cure") you knock out the top freeze-plug and put an exit in the system for the coolant.

This helps keep that cylinder "cooler" during operation.

I purchased my kit from the original makers -- "Even Flow"

These kits are usually most common on the 99+ C-heads. But even-flows website does say you can put it on the 96-98 B heads.

 

[MustangChris]

Also, the b heads do not "need" these (as badly as the c heads) -- if your engine is out of the car, go for it. If the engine is in the car, I wouldnt worry about it.

If you are sure you want one, lethal performance sells a knock-off.

Here's a picture of mine (from Even-Flow)

 

[Teksid Rick SVT]

Also, the b heads do not "need" these (as badly as the c heads) -- if your engine is out of the car, go for it. If the engine is in the car, I wouldnt worry about it.

If you are sure you want one, lethal performance sells a knock-off.

Here's a picture of mine (from Even-Flow)

Thanks,Chris! Good tech-tips / advice...:grin:

I did more research.......Here is what I need..OR will need to fabricate. The engine is on the stand :thumbsup: No one said it would be easy...LOL Just time...consuming :wave:

Worth the effort... oh yeah... this project car was a chance find...and to score it for $1200.00 + a tow ( he was asking 2k) :headbang: Overheated badly sporting the all original engine.

i appreciate your help!

 

[BigBore96]

If you have C heads, I'd do it. It's not needed on B heads at all though you can do it if you want to. That way you found is the way I'd do it.

Many people use the passenger side one on the driver side and use a T separate of the the plug so you don't have to custom fab anything. Not as clean IMO but easier.

 

[MustangChris]

that chicago kit is nice, but its not "perfect"...

the hose is new "highest" point in the coolant system, giving the opportunity for air to sit.

additionally, the exit is in the back of the head, not the top. Theoretically heat rises, thus the hottest portion of the head would be the top.

finally, as you can see the y is not a true "y", its a "t" -- the flow wont be genuine even-flow.

its a good kit. cleaner install than the even-flow, but you HAVE to have the engine and/or transmission out to service/install it.

either way, you should be able to fab one up with the OEM equipment and some know-how

 

[massacre]

Take the hot coolant from the top of the head, not the back of the head. You can do everything from the top with the engine in the car.
Personally i went with the modularspeed coolant X-over delete kit, it solved a lot of cooling problems for me. For the money it is totally worth it IMHO.