Looking for a good quality, inexpensive 45 degree thermostat housing for SBC

I picked one of these up from, uhhh, Kragen and the thing leaks like a faucet, even with sealant. I know, I know. Shoulda just gone quality in the first place. The point is, I didn't.

I found this one on Summit...

http://summitracing.com/parts/AFC-80312-45/

I'm looking for something in that price range or less that'll get the job done. The only thing is that thing's pretty ugly. Anyone have a lead on a decent, inexpensive one? Thanks!

 

Can't go wrong with a cast iron outlet. I bought mine at AutoZone for $10.Brand name is Factory Air and the part # is: 84820. Fit perfectly and no leaks. Hope that'll help ya' out.

 

Thank you for that info! It never occured to me that I could pick one up at AutoZone. (I have the same problem with a perpetually leaking cheapy chrome one.)

 

or you could run your chrome one on a belt sander to scuff the surface. Then use Right Stuff on the gasket. Let dry overnight.

 

Sounds like a good idea, but the cheap P.O.S. tends to leak around the hose, too. I keep meaning to replace it but forget about it until the next time I notice it leaking.

 

I have a new cheapo chrome one that's 45 degrees, has an O-ring but doesn't swivel like the one from Summit. Came in a box of **** I bought. Brand new, never installed. Actually looks pretty good.
You can have it for free. Contact me & I'll mail it to U.

 

I second that. I had the same problem with the cheap chrome water outlet and switched over to the cast iron one and never had a problem since.

 

Local circle track stores carry a diecast GM housing that's all of $3.80. Has to be the cheapest part in the GM lineup.

 

I like to buy the iron ones, or use an original one, and have it chromed.

 

Thanks for all the help, guys. I called my local 'hot rod shop' and they said they have a good one for $20. It's right down the street from Auto Zone so I'll stop by there as well and see if they have a cast iron one.

Take my advice and get a decent one the first time around. The engine looked *****in' when we got it in. Now it looks like it's 10 years old because of all the coolant that's splattered on it. Time and money wasted on an $8 part!

 

Im late look into chevy van 87 , Aluminum and you can polish