RADIATOR HOSE SPLICERS, HOSE TEES, AND REDUCERS

The car shown on page 1-4 in the manual uses radiator hoses from a 1971 Chevrolet Nova with a 350 V8. The radiator hoses from a 1984 V8 Camaro will also work on the V8 Z. To use the Nova upper radiator hose on the Camaro radiator, a hose reducer bushing will need to be used.

One problem with radiator hoses for older applications is that different manufacturers make "replacement" hoses that don’t all fit the same. Often, it necessary to cut and splice radiator hoses to fit an application. The hose splicers and hose reducer bushing shown can save a lot of time when connecting hoses in the V8 Z.

Stealth Conversions sells a hose splicer kit (shown above) which includes two 1-1/2" brass hose splicers, one 1-1/4" hose splicer and one 1-1/2" to 1-1/4" hose reducer bushing as part # DAT- 128 (cost is $21, incl. shipping).

HEATER HOSE TEE

If you are using an engine which has only one heater hose fitting, a Tee must be used in the lower radiator hose for the heater hose return line when using the Stealth Conversions radiator.

The  “Tees”  are available from Stealth in different sizes, but the most common size for the Z V8 swap  is  a 1-1/2" hose with a 5/8" heater hose fitting. The tees are $24 each (see TPI tee page for sizes).

Do not install the heater hose into the upper radiator hose because the coolant will go through the radiator, bypassing the thermostat.

LT1 TEE

LT1 engines have a steam vent tube which requires plumbing from the back of the block to the radiator side tank or upper radiator hose. 1993-1997 Camaro’s run the vent tube into the radiator tank. 1993-1996 Corvettes run the vent tube into the upper radiator hose. Stealth Conversions offers a brass tee which splices into the 1-1/4" upper radiator hose and a 3/8" vent tube can be attached to the 3/8" fitting. The tees are $24 each (see TPI tee page for sizes). More information on LT1 engine and hoses is in the book, Chevrolet TPI &TBI Engine Swapping.