LS Steam tube routing

[Gord67]

I've been doing some googling on the best way to re-route the steam tube on a LS swap and someone said to drill and tap the thermostat cover and hook the tube there..?? Has anyone else ever heard of this ?? Any other suggestions ? It seems like the majority drill and tap the water pump...!!

[Heavymetl]

Indeed, drill and tap the water pump is one of several solutions.

You can also use a later model radiator with the steam tube inlet (and correct size hoses to match the smaller LS inlet/outlet), or weld in a port on the radiator side tanks.

For my C10 LS swap, I used an F-body water pump and Dirty Dingo spacers that already included a tapped fitting for the steam line.

[hotrodsinner]

You could also use the dorman fitting that ties into the 3/4" heater hose. Easy and cheap.

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Gord67

I've been doing some googling on the best way to re-route the steam tube on a LS swap and someone said to drill and tap the thermostat cover and hook the tube there..?? Has anyone else ever heard of this ?? Any other suggestions ? It seems like the majority drill and tap the water pump...!!

What year is your truck ....

[88Ironduke]

On another project LS we plumbed the steam vent right into the top radiator hose via inline sensor adapter in the hose, add a 90' fitting to clean up the vent hose, two spiffy looking clamps and it works as advertised. We looked at the options and our water pump housing on our 5.3 had the integrated thermostat assembly from the factory (poor design) so if we drilled and tapped the housing would not be a salvageable core in the event it had to be pulled.

Paul

[hotrodsinner]

Dorman part #47112. Splices into youre 3/4" heater hose line and has a 1/4" hose barb for the steam line. Works and is the easiest solution.

[cooperhw]

I drilled an 1/8" pipe size hole right in the top of the water pump below the hose. Then tapped it to accept a brass fitting that was 1/8" male pipe thread on one side and barbed end on the other (got it at Ace hardware). Then you take the line coming out of the drivers side head and attach it to the barb. Simple.
I have a late model (new) radiator that has a port for this hose and still did this as it cleans it up a bit.
Oh yeah, it's in a 67 Chevelle if that matters.

[Liltroy]

Old thread but new video explanation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=curX7m9BPeg
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[Accelo]

From the Dorman site; Heater Hose Connectors - 3/4 In. X 3/8 In. X 3/4 In. Tee - Plastic
The vent hose is smaller than the 3/8" stub end, isn't it?

One I found on Amazon. It doesn't give the stub end diameter but in the comments it's listed as excellent for LS conversions.
It is also metal not plastic like the Dorman part. It is also slightly more expensive at $18.24.

https://www.amazon.com/Four-Seasons-...e%2C159&sr=1-1