Cooling System Components

Cooling System Components

A high-performance Pontiac V8 generates significantly more heat than a stock engine. For this reason, upgrading the cooling system is just as vital as installing a high-flow carburetor or a race-spec camshaft. Butler Performance specializes in addressing the unique cooling needs of classic Pontiacs, offering a curated selection of components to ensure reliability and proper temperature control for both street cruising and track use.

Butler Performance emphasizes that effective water cooling and flow are paramount, tackling the common myth that Pontiacs inherently have cooling problems. 

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Cooling System Components - Radiators/Fans/Shrouds
Radiators/Fans/Shrouds
A high-performance Pontiac V8—especially a massive-cubic-inch stroker or a high-compression street engine—generates significantly more heat than the factory intended. Neglecting the...More Details »
Cooling System Components - Thermostat Housings/Water Necks
Thermostat Housings/Water Necks
The thermostat housing, or water neck, is a seemingly minor component, but it plays a crucial role in the cooling system of any Pontiac V8. On classic muscle cars, the stock cast iron or...More Details »
Cooling System Components - Thermostats
Thermostats
The thermostat is a small but critical component in any engine's cooling system, acting as a valve that regulates the flow of coolant. For high-performance Pontiac V8s —especially...More Details »
Cooling System Components - Timing Covers and Accessories
Timing Covers and Accessories
The timing cover on a Pontiac V8 does more than just shield the timing chain; it is a critical component of the cooling and lubrication systems, housing the front crankshaft seal, water pump...More Details »
Cooling System Components - Water Pump Plates and Accessories
Water Pump Plates and Accessories
In the complex cooling system of the Pontiac V8, the water pump divider plate is an unsung hero. This plate sits between the water pump impeller and the timing cover, controlling the flow and...More Details »
Cooling System Components - Water Pumps and Conversion Kits
Water Pumps and Conversion Kits
  For any Pontiac V8 engine, especially those built for high performance, the water pump is the central element dictating the success of the entire cooling system. A high-output...More Details »

More About Cooling System Components

Keep Your Cool: Cooling System Components for Pontiac Performance at Butler Performance

 

 

High-Efficiency Water Pumps and Upgrades

 

The heart of the circulation system is the water pump. Butler Performance offers solutions for all classic Pontiac blocks, addressing the differences in early and late model designs.

 

  • 8-Bolt vs. 11-Bolt: Pontiac engines originally used an 8-bolt water pump design (1968 and earlier) and later switched to an 11-bolt design (1969 and later). The 11-bolt system is generally considered to have improved cooling characteristics.

     

  • Conversion Kits: Butler Performance offers full conversion kits to upgrade earlier 8-bolt systems to the improved 11-bolt setup, including the necessary replacement timing cover, water pump, and essential plates and sleeves.

     

  • Hi-Volume Water Pumps: Products from top brands like Flowkooler and CVF are stocked, featuring engineered impellers—often CNC-machined aluminum—that significantly reduce cavitation and increase flow rate, particularly at lower engine speeds and idle, where cooling problems often start.

     

  • Electric Water Pumps: For drag racing or extreme performance builds, specialized Meziere Electric Water Pumps offer maximum flow and eliminate parasitic drag from the engine.

 

Essential Water Pump Accessories and Plates

 

Ensuring the water pump operates efficiently often comes down to internal clearances:

  • Water Pump Divider Plates: A crucial part of Pontiac cooling is the divider plate, which separates the water pump's impeller from the timing cover. Butler Performance supplies high-quality Stainless Steel or Zinc-Coated Divider Plates.

     

    • Technical Tip: Proper clearance between the impeller and the plate is key; Butler's accessories help builders achieve this precise spacing to better direct water flow and circulation, a common solution for persistent overheating issues.

       

  • Timing Cover and Water Pump Install Kits: Comprehensive kits are offered that include all necessary sleeves, O-rings, and hardware for a professional, leak-free water pump and timing cover installation.

 

Advanced Heat Exchangers and Fan Systems

 

Moving the heat out of the coolant requires an efficient radiator assembly:

  • Aluminum Radiators: Butler Performance features high-performance radiators from brands like Cold Case and Entropy. These are often 100% TIG-welded aluminum, multi-core designs that offer a massive increase in cooling capacity compared to original brass/copper units. Models are available for popular chassis like the GTO/LeMans A-Body and Firebird/Trans Am F-Body.

     
     

  • Fan and Shroud Kits: Complete radiator, shroud, and electric fan upgrade kits (often featuring high-CFM fans from SPAL) are available to maximize cooling airflow, especially in low-speed conditions.

 

Thermostat Housing and Fitment

 

Finishing the system with quality hardware ensures long-term reliability and a show-quality appearance:

  • Thermostat Housings/Water Necks: From OEM-style cast aluminum housings to highly polished Billet Aluminum Swivel Thermostat Housings (some featuring AN fittings for custom plumbing), Butler offers options for all years of Pontiac engines, including specific designs for classic Tri-Power intakes.

  • Thermostats: High-flow thermostats are available to ensure the engine warms up quickly but opens fully to allow maximum coolant flow when needed.

By supplying premium components from specialized cooling brands and offering proprietary Butler Performance components, the company empowers Pontiac owners to build engines that stay cool under the pressure of modern performance.