Hi fellas.

I've got an L98 that I'm running an LT1 intake on, and I have a question about a thing or two regarding the water pump.

Because the LT1 intake sits lower, clearance at the top of the water pump is tight at the NPT fitting where coolant is returned from the heater core. After thinking about it, I decided that a 90º fitting would be the best bet here, and I have tracked one down. My question regards the fitting. I've seen a couple and all of them are squared off inside the fitting where it makes the bend. i.e. flow is restricted. I' can't be the first who's wanted to do this, and I'm curious if the reduced flow of the 90º fitting is going to cause me any issues. I assume that it's a non-issue but just wanted to bounce it off of those better versed in the SBC than I am.

Here's an image of the coolant routing:


Also right below the NPT port is a smaller hole maybe 1/8" ID, it's spot faced and doesn't appear to be threaded, any ideas what that is for? Do I need a plug for it? The waterpump is a Stewart if that makes a difference.

Thanks for any help!