BBC parallel vs. series cooling

[earntaz]

BBC parallel vs. series cooling

I am in the process of assembling a 427+.030. It will have 063 heads bolted to a 73’ 3999289 block. In the past I have used Fel-Pro 8180PT2 head gaskets on this engine with no issues. This rebuild will include new forged pistons with a skoshi more compression (no more than 10:1), solid lifter 143 cam (just because cuz’ I want the chatter -- LOL), etc. This will be a nostalgia street machine with the occasional playing at the strip.

With that being said, there’s been much discussion on the net as to the pros/cons of parallel vs. series cooling as applied to the Mk-IV BBC.

So I ask the experts here – should the deck be drilled or not? If the holes are drilled, what Fel-Pro gaskets should be used now? (Examples being 1017-1, 1037, etc.)

Thanks – The TAZ

[VintageMusclecar]

See this thread for pics & info.

My current 496 block is series cooled, but when the heads come off for the cylinder head swap and re-dyno, I plan to convert it to parallel cooling.

[earntaz]

Thanks Eric -- I will be getting out the drill as well ... TAZ

[BARRY]

you would be fine you do not need to drill

[earntaz]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BARRY</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you would be fine you do not need to drill</div></div>

The only Q I would have is why GM change the Mk-V and newer BBC from Series to Parallel cooling?