chiefmg

Okay, putting my new AWR header in today, and I find that the lower radiator hose passes very close (on the order of 1/8") to one of the pipes. It is definitely not touching, but close enough that I can see there being heat transfer. Does anyone know anything about this? Mainly, if I need to get a different hose for rerouting or if it will be okay this way. Thanks.

_Kansei_

You can get a replacement for the housing in front of the thermostat that makes it stick straight out instead of bending down and to the right like it does. I know MAM used to make it but I think protegegarage or speedcircuit might have them now. Then you'll need a different radiator hose since it'll need to be a little bit longer. As for what radiator hose is appropriate, I'm not sure, I'm wondering myself (I need a new radiator hose, it's way too close to my downpipe right now.

chiefmg

Thanks. I just checked PG, they don't have any listing for the thermo housing cover. Although maybe I should check the MSP section...

Anyway, I may just see if I can get a hose with a different bend to clear it better. I also wrote the guy I bought it from to see what he did, haven't heard back yet.

chiefmg

Okay, found the thermo cover at SLS Performance (is it just me, or are they making a lot of the same stuff MAM did?). After looking at it and at my engine bay I don't think it will make a lot of difference. What I think I will do is write to AWR and see what they can tell me.

_Kansei_

^^ SLS bought most of the MAM designs (like my side motor mount that shattered o_O )

The stock housing piece bends toward the header (well and down) and the one from SLS will just stick straight out and keep away from the header. Let me know what you hear from AWR because like I said I need to do something about my radiator hose as well.

chiefmg

Here's what Tony at AWR had to say:

[quote] Mike
Who did you purchase it from, was it us directly? Any way if it is
too close for you comfort then you could wrap the hose with a piece of
heat wrap or stainless sheet. If you do not want to do that then it
would have to be altered here at the shop. We no longer make that item
and I do not know if we still have the fixtures for it. Let us know what
you decide to do.

awr [quote]

As you can see, once again they show how they are a class act. I am sure that I would have to pay for any modification of the header, but the fact they offer to do so despite no longer making the piece speaks volumes.

I did hear back from the guy I bought it from, he said he installed it with no problems. I am also sending a picture to another guy who had one of these on his car to see if his was the same way.

_Kansei_

I bet some header wrap on the hose would make it ok.

1/8" is daaamn close though. It lines up with the exhaust stuff fine?

chiefmg

Yeah, it all lines up. I just went to a couple of places looking for some header wrap, no dice. So I think for now I'll put my Wagner shorty back on until I can figure something out.

chiefmg

Finally heard from someone else who has the AWR, his is the same as mine. Said he has run it for 5 years that way, just put header wrap on the hose (he also has it on the header). I have decided to just pull off the hose when I get the time, take it to a parts store and see what I can come up with. The stock hose has a little jog to it right where it passes by the header, I pulled it over as though it was straight and it gave reasonable clearance.