Radiator hoses

TC Cobra · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 11:02 AM

Time for radiator hoses...

Does anyone have any clues as to part numbers for the upper and lower hoses to begin the "cuttin' and pastin"?

I'm running a 351W w/45* thermostat housing, stock CR radiator and the CR (Don Scott) "S" tube connecting the lower hoses. Driver's side water pump inlet. Also using an inline filler cap on the upper.

Thanks!
Dwain

Curt C. · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 02:57 PM

You could just mock something up and go down to the parts store looking for similar bends / lengths.

petek · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2003, 09:33 PM

That's exactly what I did. I just asked the counter guy if I could wander through their stock (with a coat hanger bent like the tube I needed). Of course, it helps when you tell 'em what you're building!

Jack21 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-26-2003, 06:38 PM

TC,

When you say "Stock CR" radiator, do you mean the original brass one, or the newer Griffin aluminum one? If Griffin aluminum, you're OK. If not, I'd replace the old brass one with the Griffin before you start cutting up hoses.

The old CR brass radiator was marginal for a mild 302, much less a tweaked 351. If ya gotta, ya gotta, but my fear (and I think others here share this) is you'll soon be describing a raft of cooling system and overheating problems, only to find yourself yanking the OE CR rad out for the Griffin anyway.

And it doesn't stop there. Cobras are notorious for running hot, marginal cooling systems, and overheating. You'll need a high flow water pump, not an auto supply store rebuilt, the correct pulley ratios (If March, use street rod ratio), and a good electric fan. I'm using a Scott, but Don and DV have the best fans availavle for Cobras. You can use a 180 deg thermostat year round, but install a fan override switch on your dash so you can kick your fan in manually while sitting in traffic.

Then start on the hoses.

indy95gt · #5 (**permalink**) 09-28-2003, 08:01 AM

I am using Griffin radiator (upper left and lower right tubes) I don't know who made them, but pep boy's sells them the number is 71476 for lower-along with an aluminum hard pipe. Upper try Napa 7377 and 7400 and an in line filler (jegs) $20. The Pep boy's 71475,71129, and 71773 might work just as well. If you need to lengthen a hose, use the hose repair kit. Also, if you want a dressed up look and you have $125, call koolflex.

tabester · #6 (**permalink**) 10-01-2003, 06:46 AM

I'm at the same point right now. Make sure you know what the diameter of the radiator inlets are. Mine is 1 3/4". My local NAPA guru went through all of his books and his inventory and found out that the ford only produces radiators with 1 1/2" ends. I got a 48" cool flex hose with four chrome ends for around $80 bucks shipped on E-bay. I should get this today or tomorrow and will post results.

Kirk

TC Cobra · #7 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 08:19 AM

Thanks for all the input, guys!

Jack21 -- Good advice! I have upgraded the radiator and have the high-volume 16" Spal puller. Hose outlets are in the same location.

indy95gt -- Just what I was looking for! Rather than the hassle of staring at the entire NAPA inventory, your part numbers were a big help. Here's what I used:
Upper - Part of #8562 & #8037
Lower - Two pices from #7377

The installation turned out really clean and the filler is at the highest point of the system (about even with the carb mounting surface).

Thanks, again!