FE style surge tank for 302 ?

[CNIdog]

Does anyone have a source for a FE style surge tank that would fit a 302?

[GoDadGo]

Hope This Link Helps:

http://dovemanufacturing.com/water_tanks.html

Good Luck From The Dark-Dart Side!

[TexasAviator]

I know this doesn't directly answer the question but you don't need one. A recirculating cap and a overflow can will allow for system expansion. I have been driving my car this winter in texas and has not required additional coolant and hasn't been hotter than 180 degrees according to the gauges. Good luck with your build.

[TexasAviator]

Hope This Link Helps:

http://dovemanufacturing.com/water_tanks.html

Good Luck From The Dark-Dart Side!

Nice find. That is cool looking.

[CNIdog]

I just like the style. The problem is FE outlet bolts are 90 degrees off the pattern of the 302 which makes the FE part incompatible without mods that are beyond my skill-set... I'll probably stay with the in-line filler. Unless someone has a mirror image of the FE tank.

This pic shows the right side exit but the flange is 90 degrees off:

102415

[CVOBill]

I found this a while back on the other forum.
www.ffcars.com/forums/160-modifications-originality/289013-how-oem-big-block-ford-degas-tank-small-block.html

[R. Button]

you also need to have the water return line that connects from the water pump out to the block. So the FE will only work if you're into cut and weld.
BUT I did find one company that was making the old Ford Galaxie FE engine expansion tank into a small block expansion tank.
http://classicfordradiator.com/63-66-Cobra-Kit-car-coolant-expansion-tank.aspx
I have not purchased one from them but so far they are the only company that I have found that offers one without having to do the cut up of parts to "make it fit".
There is also a company called Campion Cooling - a Matt Dawson - that is considering creating one for a small block.
They have already done a FE engine one - not like the original Galaxie tanks all aluminum.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/-6QAAOSw1-RUZQDD/s-l200.jpg (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/e11051.m43.l1123/7?euid=4d7812475c9f477795faa665b64b282f&bu=43161217996&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F121350 684113&sojTags=bu=bu)

[rich grsc]

Here is another option;
https://vintagewheelsus.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=52

Just google fe expansion tank

[Jim1855]

FYI: Superformance supplies a tank with their SBF installs, it's much like the Vintage unit previously mentioned. It was available in stainless or black paint. Kirkham has or had one, a friend bought one, expensive but very cool machined aluminum. In many ways the tanks are a PITA, often multiple gaskets, twisted hoses and it always seemed to be in the way. But then, nice to work with once installed properly.

I have a fab'd aluminum unit from Olthoff Racing that I'll rework to form better, i.e. less complex, connections but I'm also looking at off-engine mounted alternates. I do kinda like this one though, it's sand blasted, coated with high temp clear over dirty fingerprints, suits me well.

Jim

[Gumball]

I found this a while back on the other forum.
www.ffcars.com/forums/160-modifications-originality/289013-how-oem-big-block-ford-degas-tank-small-block.html

Hi - that how-to from ffcars.com is me and the same info is on this forum. Happy to help out with any tips, as I used an original Ford big block tank with a few no-weld mods to adapt it to my small block. PM me if I can help.

[rich grsc]

Oh, I forgot my tank, thanks Chris, I copied what you did.
102441

[Gumball]

Pics of mine in both big block and small block dress. The big block look was accomplished with adapters for the valve covers.

[CNIdog]

Found this. A lot more than I would pay. sigh.

102991

This one is a bit more inline price wise:

102992

[Gumball]

Dang! Mine was something like 35 bucks on ebay..... but that was 10 years ago, I guess

[rich grsc]

Yep, bought mine at a swap meet for about $40. I still have 2 that could still be converted and used.

[CNIdog]

Any chance of selling one? :-)

[rich grsc]

I really don't think I'll need them. I'll dig them up and post a picture

[R. Button]

I've ordered one of these and should have it by early next week

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=102992&d=1551479051&thumb=1 (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=102992&d=1551479051)

He is installing a place for me to thread in my fan thermo switch that I currently have installed in my thermostat housing.
We'll see how it fits on the 5.0L engines.

[Lowrod]

I took an old FE surge tank and had a bracket cut, then modified the tank and welded the tank to the bracket. Still have an extra tank and bracket!103343103344

[R. Button]

Here is what they built for me as a FE style surge tank but to be used on a 5.0L engine
103664 103665 103666

All nicely done BUT for me I'll need to move my alternator lower on the passenger side of the motor.
I have power steering on the driver side of the motor so to "balance out" the engine I placed the alternator on the passenger side - also so I could use a serpentine belt not a V belt.
They also put in place a threaded hole in the bottom of the tank for the electric fan switch.

So I can't install it yet till I get some brackets to move my alternator lower.

[CNIdog]

Looks great! Just what I'm hoping to get. How much did it cost?

[R. Button]

sent you a PM

[CDXXVII]

Here is mine with and without expansion tank. Tank from Superformance. Stupid expensive.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=103312&d=1551846554

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=103313&d=1551846554

[FFRSpec72]

Here is what they built for me as a FE style surge tank but to be used on a 5.0L engine
103664 103665 103666

All nicely done BUT for me I'll need to move my alternator lower on the passenger side of the motor.
I have power steering on the driver side of the motor so to "balance out" the engine I placed the alternator on the passenger side - also so I could use a serpentine belt not a V belt.
They also put in place a threaded hole in the bottom of the tank for the electric fan switch.

So I can't install it yet till I get some brackets to move my alternator lower.

Looks good, so no support brackets except to bolt to manifold thermostat housing?

I went with
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zaRdP9w1lw for mounting alternator low

[rich grsc]

Thats the same alternator bracket I used.

[R. Button]

just the two bolts through the thermostat housing!

[Dan Babb]

I have the speed dr low alternator mount on my car. It's a great piece, but it is a PITA to go under the car to tighten the belt if you need to.

Ralph...have you mounted the tank in the car with the distributor in place? I had that tank back when ********** was selling them. Manufactured by the same people you bought it from. It wouldn't fit with the larger size EFI distributor in my car and I couldn't find a small cap version of the efi distributor available, so I returned it. I wound up modifying an original tank (and then had to replace it after a while with another modified tank because the seam split on the first one).

But it'd definitely a cool look.

https://i.imgur.com/BlJO26e.jpg

[R. Button]

With the dual carbs I had to go with a small diameter distributor. Took some searching but I found a 1976 Bronco 5.0L distributor that was wired for a duraspark ignition system which is what I'm using. It took a lot of searching but found the information on a Bronco forum! Seems a lot of the people rebuilding 1985 mustangs are also using this distributor for the spark advance. Once I found the right distributor wouldn't ya know amazon would carry it! I also have a Pertronix small cap distributor that if needed I was going to rewire for. So yes I noticed that the large cap EFI distributors were going to also have issues with the surge tank! Good point to bring up for others considering it.

[ThickCobra]

Hi - that how-to from ffcars.com is me and the same info is on this forum. Happy to help out with any tips, as I used an original Ford big block tank with a few no-weld mods to adapt it to my small block. PM me if I can help.

I thought that looked like your engine bay. Very nice. From the beginning of this thread I thought one should look at Chris' work. Sure enough it was yours. Makes me want to do another cobra.

Jay

[FFRSpec72]

Here is my first mock-up and fit, not sure if it will go black or gold. Have to finish the hose fit as NAPA hose was not quite a fit

104040 104041

[tberube]

Any news on this for 2023?
I am looking to put one of these on my new 347 stroked that is a ford sb 302.
Anyone now making one? No luck searching…

[Jrmotorsports55]

Got mine here: Classic Radiator 516-293-2175.

[mburger]

I used Speed Doctors alternator bracket to lower my alternator. I had to make a spacer out of aluminum stock so the tank would clear the distributor.
193571

[tberube]

Thanks, I will call them tomorrow.