I did a search for this, but came up empty. What are people's recommendations on plumbing for water supply to CMI E-tops? In pictures I see, about half use only the lower distribution rail, and the other half use the elbow jacket supply as well.

Thanks!

We just run two hoses (1 port 1 Stb) from the the water exit at the front of the intake manifold to each CMI water distribution tube. Then you use a jump hose from the top of the manifold to the tail pipe....many years use...no issues.

the elbow jacket supply is for engines with circulating pump and t-stat. If you don't have the t-stat housing and circ. pump then just run it to the bottom.

I believe the idea is to restrict water flow in the header tubes until the engine is up to operating temps but I personally don't think it's very effective... Who knows...

It depends on which T stat housing you have. My 525SC had 4 outlets from the T stat housing and my 502mpi's only have 2 outlets.