One of least replicated items of the 427 is the secondary air bleed line on the coolant reservoir. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a replica with one yet every original had them.
I am adding features like this to my new build, to go that extra step on my replica.
I chose to use a dual pass radiator, the radiator is divided in half, top and bottom, so the coolant goes across on the top set of tubes turns and comes back on the lower set of tubes. That extra time in the cooling fins makes a big difference in cooling capacity. That also puts both the inlet and outlet on the same side of the radiator. The original cars used a ‘Chevy’ configuration on the radiator, inlet at the top drivers side, outlet on the bottom, passenger side. There was a tube that crossed over on the bottom to get to the pump inlet and a 90 degree tube at the top to come out of the expansion tank and into the radiator.
The outlet on the bottom drivers side makes it easier and harder to get to the pump inlet. Easier because it’s on the same side but harder because of all the steering mechanism it has to dodge.
To mate with the radiator, I modified the classic Ford Galaxy tank used on the FE.
To fit the cobra, that tank has to have multiple modifications:
- The unit is disassembled and the tank rotated 180 degrees, to put the outlet on the drivers side.
- The mounting bracket and inlet tube is modified to lower the overall height approximately 1/2″ – Necessary for hood clearance
- A 3/8″ vent tube is added to the upper corner of the tank.
- The assembly is cleaned up, re-soldered and pressure tested.
To be continued . . .
