Thanks again Mike. I do not profess to know anything, rather try to keep up with the conversation. I am still a little behind since the Thermostat here:
http://devestechnet.com/Home/MorePix#261Thermostatpicsdoes not close those holes all the way around at any time. So I do not see any bypass action taking place, rather, the same thing would happen with NO thermostat in the housing. So that is what I have here. Tim's seems to work as advertised and Matt seems to have one that would work. At least now I think I have the theory behind it down and can write accurate information about it. I will run the text past you guys here once I have time to sit down and write it out. It belongs in devestechnet.com/Home/TheVenerable261 document. So this Thermostat is available through NAPA. Has anyone found a 2.5 inch regular thermostat for those who wish to bypass the bypass?
One other question... If we are worried about hotspots prior to the thermostat opening to allow cooled water to flow (261 engine but 235 type thermostat housing), what are good steps we can take to manage that? Lower temp thermostat? Larger holes drilled in the Thermostat? Other?
I also heard in my perusing the internet that a mechanical water pump steals horsepower and an electric pump would make a substantial difference in performance. Just curious as to what comments there are on that issue as well.
