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Purchased the vehicle as it is currently pictured. Car is not overheating but the angle has always bothered me as it appears to steep from out of the water neck.
Overthinking this or change due to possible air being created?
You are correct. That waterneck is way too steep of an angle.
When looking at waternecks on line, Summit, Ebay, etc. you will notice lots & lots of 90 degree (too low) and lots of 45 degree (yours)
I believe the one you want is referred to as a 15* angle.
A swivel style allows you to point the neck in any direction you choose. Those units come with a big "O" ring to seal it.
I recommend a silicone type gasket. They can be used over and again in case a removal is needed. Their claim to fame is never needing a RTV sealant. *asterisk
* I still use RTV anyway.
If you like the bling look of chrome thermo housing (me too) the trick is to roughen up the bottom surface on a sanding belt. I also sand the neck itself where the upper hose will reside.
Permatex has a special sealant just for this app. Permatex WaterPump & Waterneck sealant. White squeeze tube, found at AutoZone around $10.
What makes it special is, it's truly Glycol Proof. Not all Permatex is.
When you are ready to install a new housing, insert the two bolts into the Intake and just snug them down.
Then slide your new waterneck next to the bolt heads. Make sure the bolts supplied are not too long. Those are blind holes in the Intake.
In addition to the wrong thermostat housing,I believe you also have a wrong upper radiator hose. I noticed you have a steel fan shroud, same as mine. Notice the difference.
Thx everyone. I think the last owner used whatever they had available in their garage to make this work. All great advice and I think I knew the answer just needed someone to push me over the line 😎
If the engine doesn't overheat, the upper hose difference may only be "cosmetic". As mentioned, the upper hose is pressurized, so twisting & collapse is not an issue. The existing hose could be cut a bit shorter to make the set-up have a better appearance, but function wouldn't be improved, at all.
I had mine going up like that at one point. Aftermarket thermostat housing. Biggest issue was it rubbed on the hood. Also was more difficult to get all the air out. I went with a adjustable billet housing. They are available all over in anodised colors and chrome. However I did need to port mine out. It was a bit small on the inside.
Upper Rad Hose Angle
