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Considering relocating radiator cap / inlet location
Hi All , Car is a 1979 , C3 , L 48 ,,, Recently totally rebuilt motor (rebored, balance, new heads, pistons, cam, intake manifold , Lars q-jet , etc. ) . I am considering installing a new radiator cap (as shown in the photos,) relocating the water overflow tube from the existing radiator cap to the top of the new cap and blocking off the existing caps drain point connection ... Is this a sensible up-grade or should I let G.M engineering / design be as is ???? Comments welcome
Your new cap would be the highest point in the entire coolant system, higher than before.
If you go this route, I think the recovery tank should be relocated too. Otherwise, that may be too far away for the new cap location to syphon out tank coolant at cool-down time. Most overflow / recovery hoses are short for a reason.
I also question whether the new cap will clear the hood.
And last but not least, just one more potential leak when you splice the upper Rad hose.
By 1979 Corvette had plastic overflow tanks like shown in your picture. That eliminates any air pockets in the top of the radiator. No point in installing that new part.
Considering relocating radiator cap / inlet location
