Non A/C car, 350. Is the restricted nipple required?

 

Yes.

 

No. My original 72 350 did not have one. That was with a 2 core radiator too. But I do run one now that a 455 is in its place. Because... I picked up a edelbrock o4b which had a non stock nipple that had a washer welded into it. Seemed a good idea so I left it. You know, why not keep more flow into the radiator. The hole in the middle of the washer is about a 3/16 of a inch diameter. I also am running a 4 core radiator now too. Tom

 

Looks like I'll put the proper one in then.

 

I blew out about 4 heater cores over a period of 15 or so years before I realized the restrictor is there to prevent that exact situation.

So yes, the restrictor is required.

 

Good to know, I have one on order. Wondering if it does indeed also help with cooling.

 

I drilled out the nipple in my Vista and then discovered that the heater core made a hellova lotta racket with so much coolant rushing through it. So I installed a gate valve in the hose to restrict the flow...heater ON.