406ci Cooling Questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 211
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From: Chicago ILL
406ci Cooling Questions
I'm in the process of installing a 406 in my car. After much studying on cylinder heads, I decided to go with a new Brodix head that they call RR200.
I am now ready to install the heads on the motor but am not sure on what to do to the heads. The general rule of thumb is to drill the steam holes. Brodix told me that they do not recommend this procedure. They recommend using a Fel Pro 1004 gasket and enlarging some of the coolant passages on the gasket. This is where it gets confusing. The literature they sent states to open up the gasket to 3/8" in six areas. Then hand written on the instructions, they recommend enlarging the #6 hole to 1/2". I spoke with tech and they said to open all six to 1/2"
I would like to know what others have done in the past.
I am now ready to install the heads on the motor but am not sure on what to do to the heads. The general rule of thumb is to drill the steam holes. Brodix told me that they do not recommend this procedure. They recommend using a Fel Pro 1004 gasket and enlarging some of the coolant passages on the gasket. This is where it gets confusing. The literature they sent states to open up the gasket to 3/8" in six areas. Then hand written on the instructions, they recommend enlarging the #6 hole to 1/2". I spoke with tech and they said to open all six to 1/2"
I would like to know what others have done in the past.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,484
Likes: 1
From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
Re: 406ci Cooling Questions (HiTech5)
I ran three differnt 406s in drag-mostly cars and would recommend drilling the holes to keep the temp in check. If this is a street car, definitely. 400s in general tend to want to run a little hotter than 350s.
A potent 406 in a vette would be pretty cool. Good luck!
A potent 406 in a vette would be pretty cool. Good luck!
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Re: 406ci Cooling Questions (LT-4 CE)
After much research and naturally having been around Corky car with his NON-Drilled AFR's I don't think its necessary. As a matter of fact, and corky can correct me if I speak out of school, but he had much trouble with head gaskets when he had a previous drilled head setup. This engine, like mine, are not drilled and produce no trouble with overheating. Now, keep in mind, I NEVER have to sit in any amount of traffic, Corky is in pittsburgh and sees more traffic, but neither one of us live in Houston either or some other 100+ enviroment.
All in all, I think the old myth of 406s overheating comes from the old style radiators that cooled not nearly as good as todays better disapating materials. Thats my .02, Guess its up to what you believe, and your gut. :thumbs:
All in all, I think the old myth of 406s overheating comes from the old style radiators that cooled not nearly as good as todays better disapating materials. Thats my .02, Guess its up to what you believe, and your gut. :thumbs:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
From: Tracy California
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: 406ci Cooling Questions (ski_dwn_it)
Ski_dwn_it hit the nail right onthe head. I think the new aluminum heads hold much more water than the old cast irons of the past. I did all the tricks with my 406 in CA heat and found that the BeCool radiator was really all that was needed. But here again my car only sees about 2-3000 miles of use a year.
If you don't drill them and have problems you'll be much more :cuss upset than if you had done it and found out it wasn't required.
Just my 2cent
KM
[Modified by 88-406, 1:28 PM 3/3/2003]
If you don't drill them and have problems you'll be much more :cuss upset than if you had done it and found out it wasn't required.
Just my 2cent
KM
[Modified by 88-406, 1:28 PM 3/3/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,099
Likes: 0
From: PITTSBURGH PA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: 406ci Cooling Questions (88-406)
i had mine origanally drilled but after 2 times blowing gasket to the steam holes i said f this had them rewelded back up and been fine ever since if you look at the steam holes it is very very clse to the comp ring on the gasket maybe less than 1/8 seal when the holes are drilled do what you want i am just saying i do not have the holes drilled and and have expierienced no problems :cheers:
