[QUOTE=82delight]I went electric on my 82, and I was having real problems with heat. I boiled over in the summer, and the coolant temp gauge was too high, and the oil temp gauge was too high.
I had my radiator serviced, replaced the water pump with a high-flow (advertised 30% more flow), installed a 160-degree thermostat, tossed the fan shroud, the fan, and the pulley for the air pump (removed thanks to no more emmissions requirement), installed the electric fan kit (dual fans with thermostat for on at 190 and off at 170). I also installed a on/off switch on the dash so I can manually activate the fans when I run the A/C, and a pilot lamp to let me know when the fans are running, in case I can't hear them at speed. I installed a bigger alternator, because the fans suck a lot of power. I put a ball valve in the heater hose so I can shut it off in the summer, increasing the A/C efficiency.
The result is phenomenal. The coolant gauge says that the temp never exceeds 190, even on a hot day in traffic, yet I have heat in the winter thanks the the 160-degree thermostat. The fans come on at 190, and the temp starts to drop to 170. If I'm moving during a 75-degree day, they don't come on until I sit at a light. On days below 65, they don't come on at all. Another great benefit is that the oil temp is now down, so I scrapped the oil-cooler plans. I'm sure that the auto trans fluid is like wise benefiting.
Knowing the inherent heat rejection problems of a C-3, I would do it all again if I had to. It's the best mod I've made so far. Please consider it! Let us know what you decide.
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Do you still have the computer in your 82? If you do, does the lower temp. give you any problems with the way it runs? I don't know at what temps. the computer makes adjustments, but the 82 normally runs at about 215 degrees. Running it at say 170 degrees the computer will think it's not warmed up yet. Sorry I don't know more exact info. I was told not to use less than a 190 degree thermostat.
Dave
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Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82