Hello.I just installed chrome valve covers,chrome air cleaner and a chrome thermostat housing on my 350 rocket.
The problem i'm having is I couldnt use the old thermostat neck and I dont know what to do about the connection from the water pump to the thermostat housing.I tried a 3/4 hose but it has a crink in it because of the angle.
Any suggestions???

 

The factory used a molded, "J"-shaped hose.

 

If you have the old one take it to a parts store, I had to replace mine on my '68 S, they let me go in back and look for a similar ID hose with the approx bend, I had to cut 2" off of one end and about 6" off the other but it worked out great.
Steve

 

Make sure you seal that chrome gooseneck up good. I've never seen one that didn't leak. Usually have to sand 'em on a piece of plateglass to scuff and true them up enough to seal. Same thing with almost any aftermarket chrome accessories.

 

I would run a 160 Robert Shaw thermostat, some thermostats can be restrictive in flow. It sounds like a low speed air flow issue. Does it have a 7 blade fan, good clutch and shroud? Was a closed impeller water pump used on this motor? I noticed 0 difference on the riveted plate Flowkooler but others with the new cast closed impellers claim a noticeable temp drop.

 

What was wrong with cleaning up the OEM T=stat and using it? Good part and easy connections with the straight bypass hose.

 

This is what I used. bypass hose