Thanks! I learned something today....always a good thing.

Padraig

Thanks for the compliment . Yes , from the thermo housing to the exhaust manifolds then to risers . I do not run a thermostat . Water temps run 100* or so consistently and oil temp stays at 190* + a couple when lake water temps rise . 13 seasons and never a problem . Does take a lil bit to get the oil temps up . My setup is from Keith Eikert . Good luck with your project .

Looks like KE doesn't offer the thermostat/diverter housing you have. Any idea of anyone who sells something similar? The CP kit one looks hideous IMO. Thx

glad I found this thread, I'm in the same position. Replacing my old 454 330 hp with a carburated 502 mag rebuilt to stock specs. I boat in fresh water and do lots of low speed cruises and idle quite a bit. Stock bravo drive and my boat used to be a salt water boat and also has a through hull fitting that has a valve and a pump that says "aerator" what are the pros and cons of running a bypass, which do you recommend and should I add a sea strainer?

I have a well built 524 and I'm running a crossover with a 160 thermostat. I idle for long distances and the temps are dead on. I would definitely run a bypass with a thermostat, of course I boat in some very cold water. I don't use a sea strainer, but the water I boat in is crystal clear. If your boating in murky water or like to pull up to beaches, I would recommend the sea strainer.

Would the crossover be beneficial on a small block with an Alpha??

I love my sea strainer if for no other reason than making it real easy to flush the motor. No more muffs!

If its a stock rebuild, then run a stock recirc pump. A sea strainer is always good, especially if you boat in shallow areas with weeds, leaves, etc.

No.

You will free up a couple ponies and rid yourself of a little weight but it will not be enough to gain any appreciable speed . It does go a long way in cleaning up the engine for appearance purposes . I had one on my 383 stroker .

Thanks for the reply The Deep, I guess the question is, will the pump in the Alpha be enough to keep it cool?. I'm also building a 383 and yes it would be nice to clean up the mess on the front!