I have a late model 302 with an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake. I have a couple questions about the thermostat and the housing.

I have this Mr Gasket thermostat housing. I would like to find a 90 degree angle one like it that is not chrome, but have not had any luck with that search.

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/ite...asp?T1=9713+01



First which one of these Motorcraft thermostats do I want, RT1139 or RT1043? They are both 190 degree, but one is for

79/93 5.0L

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/ite...p?T1=RT1043+01



74/78 & 86 5.0L

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/ite...p?T1=RT1139+01



Can I use this Motorcraft gasket, RG605?

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...1378&ppt=C0331

 

Another quick question. I have the RT1139 in my F150 and it has the bleeder hole, but also has this little tab that floats around in the hole. What is that for? I don't like the idea that it could come off and circulate through the engine.

 

Any good parts tech can find you the right thermostat housing. There's a book with pictures of all of the thermostat housings offered and what they fit. It just takes a knowledgeable parts tech to know how to a) find the book, and b) be able to use it. I'll take a look today if I can remember and I'm not too busy.

I'm not sure if you need an RT350 or RT351 thermostat. Again, something I'd have to take a look at when I get to work. Could be a superceding number, I'm not sure.

The little pin in the hole is to help it seal up when the system is running. It will let air through from the block side, but won't operate as a bypass while the engine is trying to warm up. Don't worry about it falling out.

 

That makes sense about the little tab on the T stat.

As far as the T stat housing goes, I need one that has the threaded port on top. I have a thermometer in there. Its useful and gets alot of people asking what is that on cruise night. LOL...

 

I bought the same housing you need from Auto Zone some months back. Sorry, no part number handy. I just told them what I needed and they found it. I believe it was for a Fox body w/302.

 

Why are you looking for a 90° fitting? The 64-73 Mustang used 45° fittings, and that's what the hoses are moulded for.

 

I have a serpentine belt setup and the 45 degree one won't clear. I don't have factory hoses, I'm using Gates vulcoflex hoses.

 

Ew. I'm sure you can find molded hoses that will work in your application. The top one is a piece of cake, but the lower might take a little effort. Again, there's a book for that, you just need to find a parts tech that knows what they're doing and has a little time.

I'll try again to look for the housing and t-stat you need. Yesterday was a busy day and it slipped my mind...

 

+1 on the "ew". Use a '1970 351C upper hose'.

 

That would be great Starfury.

Believe me the flex hoses were not my first choice. I have tried a few different hoses and none seemed to work right. I'll look into the upper 1970 351C hose.

Thats a Fluidyne aluminum 5.0 swap radiator and the water pump is a reverse rotation for a 5.0.