Lt1 steam pipe
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 200
Likes: 2
Lt1 steam pipe 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!
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!
TECH Addict
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,610
Likes: 4
From: Maricopa, AZ
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.
TECH Veteran
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,143
Likes: 61
From: Little Rock, AR
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).
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Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 200
Likes: 2
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!
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 200
Likes: 2
Thank you!
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 471
Likes: 14
From: Tucker, GA
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