I rebuilt my 72 after it sat up for 18 years(it wasn't mine then) The engine was mildy modified, comp cam, edelbrock carb and manifold and headers. It's a 350 with auto. I have the original owners manual, and in it it says that normal operating temp is 230 degrees. In traffic it stays 170-180, and over 70 mph it creeps up to 220-230 on a hot day. All I have read on the registry seems to indicate that this is too hot. I had the radiator rodded and cleaned prior to rebuild. What's the right temp for this car to run?

Hello Tom !
my vette is running at 190 / 220
and it is stock 350 ci.
Normand

Hi Normand. Thanks for the reply. What thermostat do you have in your vette? Does the outside temp. seem to make a big difference in your engine temp? Thanks again. Tom

That seems high, mine never gets above 200, even after extended 80mph runs in 90+ weather. Is your vacuum advance working? Timing correct? How is your carb? Check the plugs for signs of leanness (white porclean). Are the foam seals around the radiator/shroud intact? Lots of causes for high temperatures. JOe

My '69 427 stays right at 190. The only time I get any real creap is either sitting in traffic for an extended period ( five minutes or more) or after running at 60-70 miles an hour for a while and exiting the high speed road and running right into a red light that just turned red. If the car keeps moving after high speeds, it is fine.

First posting here... Hello to all! I have a like problem with my '76. It is lightly modified with cam, intake and carb. The temp will creep up into the 260 range. The thermostat is 180 deg and new. I got rid of the flex fan and went with a 'black majic' electric with high CFM. That helped a bit. It creeps slower and now maxes out at 260. I had a 'be cool' aluminum rad installed which also helped but did not fix the problem. Timing looks good and the advance is working. Where do I go next? Any help would be very welcomed!

Owen
'76 coupe

I'm not sure about the seals around the radiator. The car was not together when I got it. I could have some missing. The plugs look perfect, and the car runs great. I might look into the seals. That could be part of my problem. Thanks.

Owen, 260 would scare me to death. That sounds like a gauge problem if it's still running alright at that temp. Get a temp gun and shoot various places on the block and heads to check it. Mine goes in the red at that temp on the gauge.

Glen, I have a really ragged 69 427 coupe sitting in my garage right now that I haven't started on yet. Yours is beautiful. Mine is a 400 hp with four speed, side exhaust and ac. The guy I bought it from let it sit outside for 20 years. It will be a frame off job. I might need some help with restoration from you. It was partially disassembled when I got it, and putting it back right will be tough. Let me know if you can send some pictures of interior and under hood. Thanks, Tom

90 miles per hour 90 degree day 180temp sitting in traffic 90degree day 185/190 temp
Dewitts alumium rad. duel 11inch fans stewart hi flow water pump 180hi flow stat new seals and cushions 50/50 anti freeze.

My fans never run for more than 3 min. thanks to the hi flow pump .

|UPDATED|7/14/2003 5:32:44 PM|/UPDATED|