351c thermostat housing (water neck)

CheeseSnake · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 05:50 AM

Anybody know where I can get a 90-degree water neck for a Cleveland? Searched the parts catalogs at the parts store and it appears Ford made them all in a "straight -up" design. I have heard that the housing flange is the same on the 429/460, so there may be something available there if Ford made a 90-degree for those engines? I have also heard that the Aussie Clevelands came with a 90-degree housing, so I could shop an an Aussie site as a last resort. Trying to put a braided hose on there, and you can't make a 90 degree bend in it at the motor.

COBRA406 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 07:29 AM

The mid 70's LTD's and some trucks with 351M/400's have a cast iron
45 degree housing. THe 460 90 deg. housing will interfere with some
dizzy vacuum advance units. No aftermarket swivel units are available
that I know of.
Bob

CheeseSnake · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 03:05 PM

Thanks Bob.

Do you know if the flange on the 429/460 is the same (size and bolt spacing) as the 351C & M? I already looked at all the matching numbers for the 351C, 351M and 400M and they are all pretty much the same and interchangeable. I'm not worried about interference with anything, I run an MSD distributor and if the funky hose set-up that was on there works (it did, just looked like crap)

, I won't have any problem with the 90 degree neck.

Thanks,

Jim

COBRA406 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-22-2006, 07:43 PM

Jim,
The 429/460 90 deg neck should bolt up fine. I have one from
Ford motorsports and it is a "cheezy looking" chrome. Was
real disappointed in the quality. Could not use it because of
clearance problems. I ended up using the 45 deg from a late
70's pickup with a 351M. The choices are limited. Another issue
of many using a Cleveland block.
Bob

CheeseSnake · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 08:41 AM

Thanks Bob.

I assume the clearance problems were with the hoses coming off the water pump - looks tight there with the alternator and t-housing. I know there is a company that makes swivel 90 degree housings for the 429/460, but they are $100 - a little steep for a t-housing, but this is not a cheap hobby

Thanks again,

Jim

CheeseSnake · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 08:41 AM

Thanks Bob.

I assume the clearance problems were with the hoses coming off the water pump - looks tight there with the alternator and t-housing. I know there is a company that makes swivel 90 degree housings for the 429/460, but they are $100 - a little steep for a t-housing, but this is not a cheap hobby

Thanks again,

Jim

CheeseSnake · #7 (**permalink**) 03-05-2006, 04:34 AM

FYI, the 429/460 water neck flange is the same and bolts right in. They come in a 90 degree chrome o-ring version from Mr Gasket or CSI makes an aluminum swivel housing for around $100. I went with the Mr Gasket from Summit, quality was good and no problems getting it mounted.

Thanks for your help.