[Rick Parker]

Ron: Your Coupe looks fantastic. The issue at hand is different from what you were experiencing however. You still have the bypass sytem active in your application.

The issue being discussed here is restrcted to those of us with the dual water outlet Weber manifold. The problem is the Bypass system is eliminated because one of the 5/8" diameter outlets (heater hose/bypass hose on the water pump) is inaccesable and subsequently eliminated to allow for the water manifold between the 2 intake manifold outlets and to the radiator to be fitted. The remaining nipple (1 of 2 on the water pump) is then attached to the Harrison style tank in front of the water pump (FIA style application) and becomes the fill point for the cooling system. Some including myself have tried installing a thermostat in the upper radiator hose, I have intalled the thermostat numerous ways, with 0,1,2, & 4 holes (3/16"). It will reach operating temp of 180 in the driveway but quickly drops to 140-150 after driving a very short distance, and will not recover until pulling up to a light after driving some distance (several miles) and then drops again. I have tried to run it without a thermostat and it NEVER gets warm. What I have not done and would ask if others have with any success, used a freeze plug with (for instance) a 5/8" hole drilled in it put into the upper hose???

My next project which I am on the verge of doing after having made the pieces this week, is to weld a nipple on the water manifold near where the top radiator hose attaches (right behind the inline thermostat) and run a 1/2" hose accross the front of the engine and tie into the lower radiator hose, right near where it attaches to the water pump (I have a 1 3/4" fabricated aluminum tube that I will weld another nipple onto.)
I have thought this through carefully and believe it will cure our problems.
I will report back as to the results. Fingers are crossed!