Thermostat Housing/Water Outlet for 65 F250 352

[flintsf250]

So my original cast iron t-stat housing on my 65 F250 is pitted beyond repair. I only see used housings on eBay and based on some research it appears these are now obsolete. I had noticed that the t-stat housing on my 71 F250 was slightly different so I found an aluminum one at my Oreilly’s. Apparently, 68-76 FE housings are abundant. I realized that the t-stat on this one is smaller at 2 1/8 inches in diameter versus the 2 1/2 inch original. Also, the neck is slightly smaller which means I’m now running a smaller upper rad hose at 1 3/4 inches versus the original 2 inch hose.

My question is, will this be a problem if I go with this set up?

[tnlprt]

The smaller thermostat will fall into the intake manifold.
Buy the correct housing

[flintsf250]

tnlprt - The newer housing only accommodates the smaller thermostat so there is no risk of it falling in. I just want to figure out if having a smaller rad hose would lead to overheating. Again, we’re talking about the same engine block just different displacements. The older being 352 and the newer 360/390. Thanks.

[cep62]

The newer housing only accommodates the smaller thermostat so there is no risk of it falling in.

The gasket holds the stat to the housing.
Over time the gasket softens and the stat will fall back into the intake .
Then you'll have no heat ( or in theory it could overheat.)

[tnlprt]

tnlprt - The newer housing only accommodates the smaller thermostat so there is no risk of it falling in. I just want to figure out if having a smaller rad hose would lead to overheating. Again, we’re talking about the same engine block just different displacements. The older being 352 and the newer 360/390. Thanks.

The pressure of the water pump against a closed thermostat will turn the thermostat sideways in the early intake manifold

May not happen today or tomorrow ...But it will happen

Smaller hose is designed for a car ...They did not have a problem overheating

The block has nothing to do with the thermostat used ...The year of the factory intake decides that

352 and 360/390 are not the same block ...The cylinder core molds are different