I was wondering if I can take it out to free some room in my engine bay. On my 72 LeMans, i have a tube that runs down that allows access to drain onto the street. Can i just replace that tube with one of those???

 

RS89,

You can remove the overflow reservoir, but it is there to allow the system to refill after it has become hot. The system is designed to "respirate" a bit, and you may eventually lose coolant level without the overflow reservoir. You'd have to check the radiator regularly, and would likely have to maintain an air space in the radiator to prevent burping out of the coolant.

 

If you ever plan on racing on a real track you must have an overflow tank.