In setting up for a track nose the top of the radiator tank filler cap is level with the thermostat. I'm thinking this would work ok if I put a bleed port in the thermostat housing (the highest point) to let the air out while filling the radiator at the filler cap. That would leave the top hose (1 1/2 in X 12'')and the thermostat housing as the expansion area for the coolant. I'm running an overflow tank but I have a hunch I might be missing something here. Any thoughts or experience with doing it this way would be appreciated. OB
Somewhere I've seen a setup with a filler cap that goes in middle of the radiator hose for situations just like that. It wouldn't have to have a pressure cap as long as it had a cap that sealed well and held the pressure. Here is one that Speedway has that will give you the general idea http://www.speedwaymotors.com/INLINE-FILL-ADAPTER-WITH-3and8-NPT-FITTING,9244.html Something that you may find more interesting http://www.speedwaymotors.com/MANIFOLD-NECK-FILLER-KIT,604.html
I had a similar problem on my track roadster in that the radiator cap was lower than the thermostat. I found a small rectangular br*** surge tank (similar to but smaller than the FE Ford tanks) and mounted it further back and higher on the engine(4 cyl) and plumbed it to the t-stat housing and water pump and used a pressure cap and an overflow hose. I then dis***embled a pressure cap and made it into just a plain cap at the radiator fill neck which also effectively capped off the radiator overflow. Now I fill the system from a point higher than the radiator. Seems to work fine. Charlie
The inline aluminum tube with cap is a Moroso item. You should be able to find it through many sources.
have a speedway nose on mine cut down mustang radiator. with two bottom tanks.no fill hole used speedway filler in top hose. works well.