TMeyer Track Boss Bypass Plate
Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Powertrain Specific Forum
Forum Name: 335 Series Engine Forum
Forum Description: 351C, 351M and 400 engines
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=20661
Printed Date: 17-April-2024 at 7:17PM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: TMeyer Track Boss Bypass Plate
Posted By: dan0R30
Subject: TMeyer Track Boss Bypass Plate
Date Posted: 26-March-2023 at 3:33PM
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I bought a replacement bypass/restrictor plate for my 351C from TMeyer. My machinist didn't install it (they don't run the dyno with a thermostat), so I went to take a stab at it tonight. I am not able to get it to install flush like the OEM plate. Should it? Or is it ok if it sits a little above the lip? The design is a little different between the two, so I got some measurements. The OEM measured 0.005" smaller in diameter and 0.055" thinner than the Track Boss. The Track Boss has the conical edge so it looks like it is meant to seal with enough pressed force. It definitely requires some leverage to get it back out, and its obvious the block is cutting into the edge when installed. I just thought I'd see if anyone has installed these before. I also bought a TMeyer thermostat so I figured these were designed to go together. But from what I gather I should be able to throw my OEM back in if this is an issue.  ------------- Dan 1970 Ford Torino hardtop - 351C 4V - FMX - 9" 3.89 TrueTrac |
Replies:
Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 27-March-2023 at 10:59AM
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I am not sure on that one Dan. Maybe Rock will know. Or reach out to Tim. He's usually pretty good at getting back to people if they are customers. If you contact him, just tell him you are a customer in your message, as I know he gets tons of calls for free advice. ------------- Vince 1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
Posted By: dan0R30
Date Posted: 27-March-2023 at 11:02AM
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That's a good idea, I will try to reach out to Tim (with my order number just in case). Thank you. ------------- Dan 1970 Ford Torino hardtop - 351C 4V - FMX - 9" 3.89 TrueTrac |
Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 27-March-2023 at 11:56AM
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comments i've seen, yes Tim's restrictor sits higher in the block than the original. if i understood one customer's comment he suggested that the TrackBoss restrictor is so thick that it prevents some / if not all T-stats from opening completely. IDK? IMO there's nothing like the real thing, Baby FlowKooler is marketing a 351C T-stat restrictor that has a smaller diameter orifice to be used with the incorrect generic Windsor and chevy style 'Robertshaw 330 series' T-stat. the correct T-stat for a 351C engine is the Robertshaw 333 series which has the special hat / sleeve on the underside to effect the shut-off of coolant flow through the restrictor orifice. the FlowKooler's smaller diameter orifice doesn't need the hat / sleeve and shuts the bypass with just the sensor bulb of the T-stat.  https://flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/collections/thermostats/products/robertshaw-333-160-thermostat-and-brass-bypass-1" rel="nofollow - https://flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/collections/thermostats/products/robertshaw-333-160-thermostat-and-brass-bypass-1 to further complicate matters there's this air bleed hole plate that's advertised as allowing the removal of the T-stat  https://ipsco.org/newsite/product/ips051-blockoff-plate/" rel="nofollow - https://ipsco.org/newsite/product/ips051-blockoff-plate/ and i remember a guy that posted to the Pantera International page that made and sold his own plates on ebay, neonfiddler IIRC  https://www.ebay.com/itm/185424040123?hash=item2b2c2250bb:g:hNAAAOSwjaldNgeQ
------------- 72 GT Ute |
Posted By: dan0R30
Date Posted: 28-March-2023 at 5:40AM
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Thanks for sharing those Rock, it's good to have options. My biggest worry is that it would restrict flow to the radiator by not opening completely, like you mentioned. His design is to make sure the bottom is completely flush so that it doesn't recirculate in the block, but maybe that difference is negligible. Tim got back to me pretty quickly last night and again this morning. To paraphrase his responses: I didn't think it was bottoming out based on my initial depth measurements of the plate seat, and so I re-measured it to be sure. While the depth is not flat throughout, the lowest spot I could measure was 0.174" closer to the middle (average was 0.2"). However that low spot should still give 20 thou of clearance if the plate were completely seated. It's possible there are two areas that are bottoming out where my gauge can't measure. (Yes I know it's ugly, I let the block sit too long after the dyno). I'll clean it up a bit as he recommended and go from there.  ------------- Dan 1970 Ford Torino hardtop - 351C 4V - FMX - 9" 3.89 TrueTrac |
Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 28-March-2023 at 3:21PM
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Glad Tim was able to help you out. Keep us posted. ------------- Vince 1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
Posted By: 72 RS 351
Date Posted: 28-March-2023 at 4:33PM
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Yes, thanks for the discussion and the options for it. I would tend to want the altered bypass plate along with the Robertshaw model 330 that it's made for. I prefer a 180* most of the time, and the model 333 may be harder to get at some times, in the rating you want. ------------- Don 73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
Posted By: Inkara1
Date Posted: 29-March-2023 at 4:12AM
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When I changed the thermostat as preventative maintenance on my 351C with unknown history, I bought two 180-degree thermostats and a bypass plate. The second thermostat is in case TMeyer isn't still in business next time I need a thermostat, and the bypass plate was in case the original one was gone. The original one was still there, so I just left it. I can say the TMeyer thermostat works great with the original plate. No overheating issues with the Champion radiator so far now that I got the distributor timing under control. ------------- 1972 Gran Torino station wagon, light blue, 351C 2V, prior owner upgraded to 4V (2V heads), originally had a C4 but prior owner changed to C6 for some reason. |
Posted By: dan0R30
Date Posted: 30-March-2023 at 12:39PM
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Thanks for sharing, another good data point. And good call on keeping extra stock around! Well I was able to clean up the seat a bit and finally get the plate in albeit with more force than I wanted. Used a big socket and you can tell. But it's in there and it's not coming out. Sits just below the threshold too.   ------------- Dan 1970 Ford Torino hardtop - 351C 4V - FMX - 9" 3.89 TrueTrac |