91banditt2

iTrader: (1)

I need some help figuring out what to do with the heater core hose routing. I'm in the process of cleaning up the engine bay of the unwanted and unneeded such as the A/C system, factory engine oil cooler, heater core diverter valve, ect. I want to rout the heater core hoses from the heater core then to the radiator and the water pump. Pictures of your set up (or someone else's) part numbers and where you got your part would all be very helpful.

91banditt2

iTrader: (1)

Anyone?

MoJoe

iTrader: (5)

I am subscribed hoping someone chimes in. I am looking to move the supply hose from over the valve cover, to down near the frame rail like the steel return line. Unfortunately, that is a really tight spot between headers and the AC suitcase, and doesn't lend itself to an easy solution.

If/when I get something done, I'll post it up.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Not exactly what your working with, but in the ballpark.

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

There is a stock thirdgen V6 heater pipe set-up that I've used a few times. I think it was from a 85-87 MPFI ?? A short curved hose connects each of the heater lines to the steel pipes and then they get run along the pass frame rail and you can custom run them from there to anywhere you want. I cut the pipes to fit and never had a leak or a heat problem. ( could be shielded. )



I used the factory oil cooler too

MoJoe

iTrader: (5)

John, Thanks for the pictures and info. You also have a non-AC heater box giving you more room to work with.

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

No problem,.... At least it's 1 more option to consider !

antares57

iTrader: (8)

Don't know if it will help, but throwing it out there.

91banditt2

iTrader: (1)

This diagram could be really helpful antares57. I'm gonna have to check to see if these parts are still available for GM. Where did you come across this diagram? Now it's got me thinking what other OEM parts can be used from either the V-6 cars LT1's or the LS1's. I would like to run both heater core hoses down to the frame rail and then one to the top of the water pump and the other going to the radiator.

antares57

iTrader: (8)

The diagram came out of a 1982-1992_Pontiac_F-GM_Parts_and_Illustration_Catalog dated Sep 1992 which I believe was on the same link as the '88 Firebird Service Manual when I first joined the forum. No reference to it now and "Google" doesn't get any hits. Good reference document.

John in RI

iTrader: (167)

Agreed !!

The diagram shown as "W/C41" was used on all 85-86 TPI cars,.... They didn't use a diverter valve those years on the TPI so the frame rail coolant pipe didn't have a 3rd port on the top.

That coolant pipe - and the V6 pipes - is a PITA to install / remove with the heater box and manifolds/headers installed. I always make it a point to install that thing FIRST before installing an engine when re-building !

As a temporary 'fix' you could simply remove the diverter from your 87+ set-up and cap the 3rd coolant port that leads to the diverter valve. Be advised,..... rubber Coolant 'caps' like the one You would use in this case generally last 1 driving season before they need to be replaced. ( I just replaced the one on my Berlinetta last week because it sprung a pin-hole !! )

91banditt2

iTrader: (1)

Did you have to reform the metal lines to fit your needs?

MoJoe

iTrader: (5)

Yup, that looks like stock TPI routing.
#2 - that hose is the one I want to move (5/8").
#3 - bypass the TB, and extend this hose direct from the manifold to move the heater valve down toward the frame rail.
#8 - the pipe (3/4") is tight with headers, but it can be done. Too bad there isn't room for a second (5/8") pipe!

ETA - 84 1LE's picture with the LS swap and LS style heater hoses staying above the header and following the heater box is probably the best workable solution. Those LS hose assembly's are running $50 on eBay. I already found a question mark (?) shaped hose in 5/8" like the third gen factory 3/4" hose, to keep the closer to the firewall. Now I just have to find some thin 5/8" hard line...

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

They are made from various models.I cut the bends & angles, along with straight sections & welded them together.I started a with 4th gen lines though.

deadbird

I used aluminum tube from RuralKing and made some hard lines to run mine.
Some various prebent hoses picked from Azone stock and cut to fit. Not quite finished but, will get back to it eventually, once i have a second functioning hand.

MoJoe

iTrader: (5)

@deadbird - great job with the tubes! Not bad on hiding the wiring, and the hidden power center too!