360 water passageways

The Permatex Ultra Grey high strength is the best I’ve ever used for coolant passages (Or for anything this side of exhaust for that matter!). The caulking gun tubes are your best friend if you do very many engine jobs. Th applicator tube caps off well with the plastic conical cap off of a gear oil bottle until the next time you need it. The only exception I have seen to the rear water ports being used is the factory LA TBI manifold has a labyrinth of water passages that run underneath from the rear to the thermostat housing for manifold heat. My guess is to help meet emissions compliance at the time. I do know it makes for a great big heavy chunk of cast iron intake, for sure!