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Coolant Spacer Feeler Thread

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Old Sep 22, 2014 | 10:25 PM
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Default Coolant Spacer Feeler Thread

I'm going to be machining myself a coolant spacer, and have been considering making a few extra while I'm at it to throw up here. Price would be ~$60 shipped. Anyone interested? No commitments, just curious if there is any interest in them. Would purchase enough stock to make ~7 minimum, and could go up from there. I would post pictures of the first completed one before taking yo cash and/or children.

Standard DIY spacer to go with the kia neck and 3/8" NPT fittings.

Sorry if there is a better section for this.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 02:13 AM
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And sensor bung?
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 04:01 AM
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Yes, there will be (3) 3/8 NPT holes and one temp sensor bung (m12x1.5)
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 06:24 AM
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Interested in one unit.

And, there has been some talk lately of some versions not supporting the flanges of the Kia water neck. An improvement in that area (groove?) would be welcome.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 07:59 AM
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Sounds like a good deal. Count me in if all goes well!!
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by DNMakinson
Interested in one unit.

And, there has been some talk lately of some versions not supporting the flanges of the Kia water neck. An improvement in that area (groove?) would be welcome.
Just to be clear, the improvement here would be to have full through-bolt holes to fully support the waterneck rather than having material missing at the outer edge. That either requires a larger diameter basic piece (is there interference with other block components) or more complicated machining.

In the meantime, easy on torque.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 10:01 AM
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You can already buy a spacer from moss and tap that for 15 dollars.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by aidandj
You can already buy a spacer from moss and tap that for 15 dollars.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this comes with no machined lips, and basically just the piece of aluminum the correct diameter and width with the bolt holes drilled in it. So basically everything requiring a lathe and mill, aside from thinning the walls is left to still be done? and costs ~$22 shipped. So for those not looking for a drop-in unit and are willing to do the majority of the machine work themselves, sure, that is a viable option.

Originally Posted by DNMakinson
And, there has been some talk lately of some versions not supporting the flanges of the Kia water neck. An improvement in that area (groove?) would be welcome.
Could you post a link to any of this? First I've heard of it. The design I plan on replicating is the circular spacer with open bolt holes on either side.

Last edited by Schuyler; Sep 23, 2014 at 11:09 AM.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 11:10 AM
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I'd be in for 1 unit depending on time frame.

I assume one of the 3/8" NPT would be for a barb in line with existing heater core line?

So you're planning on 2 more 3/8"NPT + the Factory sensor port?
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 12:24 PM
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I'm in for a half price spacer, please keep us posted.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by hornetball
Just to be clear, the improvement here would be to have full through-bolt holes to fully support the waterneck rather than having material missing at the outer edge. That either requires a larger diameter basic piece (is there interference with other block components) or more complicated machining.

In the meantime, easy on torque.
Thanks for the clarification.

I have always wondered why they split like that. I wonder do they actually have a custom extrusion and did not want to drill the holes. Or, as you say, some issue with interference somewhere.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 12:37 PM
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Count me in for one.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by bahurd
I'd be in for 1 unit depending on time frame.

I assume one of the 3/8" NPT would be for a barb in line with existing heater core line?

So you're planning on 2 more 3/8"NPT + the Factory sensor port?
That's correct.
Old Sep 23, 2014 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by DNMakinson
Thanks for the clarification.

I have always wondered why they split like that. I wonder do they actually have a custom extrusion and did not want to drill the holes. Or, as you say, some issue with interference somewhere.
The BEGI spacer isn't an extrusion (at least the one I have isn't). Making one that fully captures the bolt holes would be quite a bit more machining (primarily machining center vs. primarily lathe) and up the price significantly IMHO.

The left side and top have room but the right side and bottom don't have a lot of clearance (looking at the unit from the back of the engine).
Old Oct 28, 2014 | 01:37 PM
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Aluminum purchased. Enough to make 10. More updates soon.
Old Oct 28, 2014 | 01:45 PM
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Just shot me a pm when your they are ready. I replied before I am in for sure. Maybe even take 2, one for my buddy. Thanks
Old Oct 28, 2014 | 01:46 PM
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+1, I'm interested, you thinking about making block off plates for the front of the head as well?
Old Oct 28, 2014 | 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by mx5roadster
+1, I'm interested, you thinking about making block off plates for the front of the head as well?
something like this?

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Old Oct 28, 2014 | 06:34 PM
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So far, I'm still in. What do you think of the O-ring idea? Maybe I can get the design work done before you start cutting.
Old Oct 28, 2014 | 09:00 PM
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Count me in for two.



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