The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How much coolant?

Just finished putting my new motor in. This motor is a 430hp 350 (V8). My questions is how much coolant should it take? I have heard 5 gallons, four gallons, etc. When I went to fill her up, it only took in 3 1/2 gallons. With the block, water pump, and everything being bone dry, I wonder if that is enough. I have start it up a couple of times and re-topped it, but it has only dropped slightly. Heater core, and all hoses get warm, so I do have flow. Don't want to run it for too long until I'm sure that is has all the coolant it needs. Thanks. (Also posted this in the HIPO section)

3 and 1/2 gallons sounds about right.

Every combo is different. The radiator can be re-cored to a different thickness, the hose may be longer or shorter, the heater may be bypassed, etc. I just fill'em till they're full. Just make sure you let it warm up enough to open the thermostat, and then top it off. once you have done this you will no how much your setup takes.

Thanks for the reply. This newby mechanic just doesn't want anything to go bad on him. I'm into this far enough that if something went catostrophic I'd have to postal or something.

I hope to have a video up in a day or two for those who would like to hear the new motor.

love to hear engine and see truck by the way what is a motor