72 base 350 4 spd. car. Its got a cam, don't know the specs but its lumpy. It provides enough vac to run the brake booster. I think there is some head work done but still runs like a low compression engine. No pinging even when hot, engine spins easy even when hot. Not sure of the HP output. Maybe an extra what? 40 HP max with cam, intake and ignition updates? Trying to quantify the heat output.
It has a new OE brass/copper pin mounted small block rad. No AC. 2" thick core. Steel barrel type shroud, new fan clutch. All seems proper for my model. It cannot keep itself from overheating. The temp hits 210 and then continues upward till it pukes or stops idling/starts hard starting. I've added the missing shroud seals, adjusted the shroud and then added a 13" electric pusher fan offset to the drivers side (the side the shroud does not cover). And....it continues to overheat. The electric fan now delays how long before overheating, that's all. Ran her around with the ambient temp around 88. On the freeway no problem although when I make a few full throttle passes, even on the freeway, the temp will rise above the 180 thermostat temp, then drop back to 180. After around town driving, the temp rose to 210 plus and I nursed her to the freeway. Even then, with the electric fan running she only dropped to like 200 after 3 miles at 55 MPH. It probably would have come down to the 180 if I stayed on the freeway. It should have dropped quicker.
So, tell me if the sounds right, with the above info, I do not believe its an airflow issue but rather a radiator issue. Not enough BTU loss through the core. The freeway trumps the fans. They are overcome I've read above 35-40 MPH. Unless the water pump aint flowing or the rad is clogged....not sure what else could be the issue other than the rad. I'll check the plugs again but she's not pinging, even when hot. I doubt is a lean out issue. Thoughts? Sorry for the long winded rant. Dave
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My Christmas present to ME! Bought Sat 11-30-2013. 72, 350 4 spd, Silver with blue interior...Can't you just hear Pablo Cruz playing in the background?