Hark_Z

iTrader: (12)

Was going to throw on an EWP. I drained the radiator but still as I disconnected some hoses and even the bottom bolts coolant is everywhere!! I had cups and paper towels handy and they were put to use..yet the opti still got coolant on it how normal is this and how screwed am I??

Formula_LT1

iTrader: (2)

Yea, your block houses an *** load of coolant. Just let it dry out really well and hope for the best. You can fire up the car without the wp or radiator in the car but you can't let it run for more than a minute or two. I've done it plenty of times to make sure my opti isn't junk before I button everything up.

LT1-DAN

should be ok. let it dry out or take the cap off and see if any leaked inside. however, they are sealed alot better then they get credit for.

Hark_Z

iTrader: (12)

I would crank up the car but the tranny and D/S is out,starter disconnected-all that good stuff.
Also with installing the EWP its already been modified to fit right, I was told I just need to plug he freeze plug in through the back? Can someone please clue me in? Thanks!

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

Should be fine man, but there is the chance "**** happens", open it up and find out if you are really worried.

Formula_LT1

iTrader: (2)

Yea, you'll have to put a freeze plug in the back of the water pump. I also used some loctite around the freeze plug.
If the tranny and everything is out, just put everything back together minus the water pump and radiator and fire it up for a second. If not just pop the cap off of the distributer. It takes an inverted torx head socket. If you don't have one take a torx head bolt out of the little plastic plate on top of the stock throttle body and put in some vise grips to remove the dist. bolts.

LSXNV

iTrader: (1)

if so inclined, you could take this opportunity to replace the opti to an after market unit.

Hark_Z

iTrader: (12)

Its already the MSD. Despite all the recent negative hype mine has held strong through a lot of abuse, so we shall see.

Formula_LT1

iTrader: (2)

If its an MSD then the bolt trick out of the throttle body may not work then. I know it works on a factory style opti.

Hark_Z

iTrader: (12)

Yeah I wiped it dry and everything tommorow Ill take the cap off. Little off topic with but I have a question about the thermostat. I noticed how it just floats there on the top of the water pump, how do the 160* and all of them for that matter function to lower the temps? Never understood that.

LT1-DAN

They let the coolant out of the engine and into the radiator sooner (160*vs195*) to cool down thus keeping the engine cooler. To take full effect of a 160* stat, you have to program the fans to come on sooner and stay on longer. If you dont you wont notice much of a temp drop. Also, make sure you get a stat that is for a reverse flow 350, some people have put in a stat from a regular flow 350v8 they will not work right in a LT1.

ZONES89RS

iTrader: (25)

Also, the older SBC with a 160 with a fan on at all times will not stay cool sometimes because the stock radiator will not cool the water due to the stat opening so soon it does not have time to cool the water inside.