Alex-chevy

Hey everyone,
I am finishing my LT1 383 installation. I am a little confused with the "steam pipe". I have correctly installed the pipe in the back of my heads. The end of the pipe that runs up to the throttle body has me uncertain. I have read that I can bypass the throttle body connection at this point, and in fact run a rubber hose from the end of the steam pipe to the radiator nozzle second from the top on passanger side of radiator. I am not sure if this is correct though, I am worried over flow antifreeze may seep from the radiator into my steam pipe causing over heating issues. Does anyone run this setup or understand it?

Thank you!

Alex-chevy

These photos show what I am referring to with the steam pipe to radiator connection.





Another picture of steam pipe to radiator connection.

Alex-chevy

Thank you!!!!

hrcslam

This is exactly right. The steam pipe is an important part of the cooling system. It will not take any "overflow" coolant because it is part of the pressurized coolant system.

hrcslam

Also, you want to hook up the top line (if you didn't already) too. That's for the overflow reservoir, without it your radiator can't pull in coolant after it cools down and contracts. It'll pull air in instead and that will lead to overheating.

Alex-chevy

Thank you very much hrcslam!

shbox

It's commonly called a "steam" pipe, but it carries coolant just like the other hoses. Only it also picks up any pockets of air (steam) that can be formed by coolant in the LT1 reverse flow system going from the radiator to the heads first (unlike the previous SBC flow).

Alex-chevy

Nice....yeah I am hoping the small diameter of that pipe stays open for many miles....

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

Seriously, you don't understand the TB bypass yet have a 383 going in. This should be interesting.

Alex-chevy

What do you think about the an and npt fittings modification for the steam pipe passage? I can't decide if it's something I should do.

Thank you!

Alex-chevy

What do you think about the an and npt fittings modification for the steam pipe passage? I can't decide if it's something I should do.

Thank you!
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atlantadan

If you're not having issues with the metal steam pipe, I'd use the money elsewhere. It does look cool, though. I'll give you that. Make sure you use the correct steam pipe seals - NOT oil plug seals