We had closed fresh water cooling on our old B class race boat. It helps with having even temps between the cylinders. Usually the ends are cold and the center is hot. Using a closed system helps.

Plus who would want salt water to run through there engine if they didn't have to?

Ron P, Thanks, I have noticed the same thing on the 496HO. The engine temperatures are very stable regardless of the ambient climate factors. I see what you are saying. I don't think I will drain the anti-freeze out of my boat and vehicles and replace it with Lake, River, or Salt water. Every little bit helps. Thanks again.

Reck, You still on-line?

Well, I live in Davenport Iowa and boat on the Mississippi, so salt water is not a concern here. We have had such a mild winter here this year, I have thought a number of times about taking the boat out but haven't because I didn't want to winterize again to avoid a frozen block. Seems like the closed cooling system would allow me to sneak out once in a while without worrying about it freezing up. Am I thinking right about this or would there be other areas to be concerned with freezing? Anyone have any idea of the cost to add it to a 454 MPI?
Thanks
RDUB

Rdub: You do not want to add it to a motor that has been running for a while with regular cooling system in it. I tried and it was not successfull. To much crap gets in the exchanger and causes all kinds of problems. They systems range from 150 bucks used to 1800 new

Jon

Oh ya you still do have to winterize, however you only have to draine the Manifolds, coolers, and the water pump. Obviously that is MUCH easier then doing the whole motor

Jon

BAM used to have a page on their Hi-po FWC. I did find this pic on their site.

VERY NICE http://www.go-fast.com/fwc_sc900.htm

Thanks for the Info.

DONZIMAN2:
Call Innovation in Sarasota, as Ryan said they made the system for Volvo but more important thet did it to the military engines. My thinking is if the military has it there have to be a good reason.
The guys at Innovation are great and they will help you. If I new about them before I did my engines I would have it.

[ 01-25-2002: Message edited by: Dr.Santiago ]

We had a log style exchanger on the floor of the engine compartment for each engine. Of course sea strainers are an absolute must with this set up.

Take about plumbing. We had a red handle in the boat that would devert the exhasted water either to exit out the back OR send it foward to fill the ballast tank in the bow. The blue handle either held the water in the ballast tank or let it drain out a 3 inch fire hose. We could lower the bow by 5 inches sitting at the dock idling.

We also had electric pumps to move fuel during the race between tanks. Sweet boat.