Blocking off the heater hose fittings?

[torredcuda]

I`m having an overheating issue with my Duster drag car.It has a stock internal `76 360 with a 4blbl intake and carb,22" aluminum radiator and I swapped the water pump for a good 8 blade unit.I have figured out the cheap electric fan is not pushing enough air b/c when I placed a shop fan in front of the car the temp stabilized.I just ordered a new 2,000 cfm 16" unit so that should hopefully cure it but my buddy suggested I eliminate the heater core bypass hose I have from the pump to the intake and just block off both ends at the fittings.First,is this OK to do and second,will it have any effect on the cooling/overheating of the engine-better,worse or no difference?

[Alaskan_TA]

Heater delete cars used a pipe plug in the manifold & a rubber bootie over the water pump nipple if that helps at all.

Bob Conca photo;

[torredcuda]

Ya,I guess if the factory did it it will be OK!

[ted]

but will have no effect on cooling

[IMNCARN82]

I took my heater out a long time ago. Didn't see a change in cooling really. The new radiator helped a bunch.As did a carb. plate.  Tapped the end of the W/P and used a plug. Used a $1.00 stainless serving tray from a resale shop to cover the heater hole.

[422STROKER]

Maybe a temp clamp on the Bypass hose will show you a good/bad change?

I'd think the heater core would help with cooling, but you may have taken it out to save weight?

Tom

[torredcuda]

Heater core is long gone as it`s race only.The new fan arrived yesterday so I`ll install that and see if it cures the overheating.

[Changin Gears]

If you're not running a thermostat, you can also remove the bypass hose and plug those holes.  This will force all coolant through the radiator.

[moparmaniac59]

I plugged my heater hoses at the firewall. I just used large wooden dowels with an RTV coating, stuck them into the hoses, let it cure and reconnected the hoses. It still looks factory like it's all hooked up, but it's actually plugged. Car runs fine. No effect on cooling & I don't use the heater as I don't drive much in the winter. The headers generate enough heat to keep me warm!!!

                                             Matt B.

[Aracer]

Big blocks can have the holes plugged with those chrome Allen plugs.

Small blocks need to have the outlet tapped and plugged with 1" long X 1/2" Allen plugs coated with Permatex #2, or else the rubber cap plugs will cook and blow off.