The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Temp control questions/issues on a SBC

This is about my el camino.

I've been having trouble keeping her cool - let me explain. Keep in mind it's a mildly hopped up 350 with headers, and a TH350.

First - when I had NO shroud, and the fan was 8 inches away from the radiator - it ran hot all the time - 220 on a hot day was not unrealistic.

Since then I have added a shroud and a spacer on my fan - it now get's to around 200 in town in traffic. Better. But still a little warm IMO.

Here's my question - I think I have a 165 thermostat in there. This causes it to be open nearly all the time - thereby not allowing the water in the radiator time to cool sufficiently before it get's cycled back into the motor.

If I put a 180 or 195 in there - do you think that would help my cooling? Seems backwards at first but it makes sense I think - by keeping the water in the motor longer - thereby allowing the water in the rad to cool more - when the gates do open - wouldn't that keep my temp lower cumulatively?

- Ryan

Ryan: Use the 190 deg. it will help. Also with a hopped up 350. My boys and I have found the new Water pumps and racing type fan blades work great to keep our stock car cooler. We was having a problem with 350 400hp stock car. Now corrected and getting all the ponies to work together. popcorn The Truth is Out There (Keep us posted) Ben

Thanks - I"ll give it a shot -

The parade this weekend nearly killed the car!!!

- Ryan