Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for MORE wrenching? 
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2003 Posts: 47 | Am running my 49 with a 350. Does anyone know the temperate that this motor needs to run at. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2003 Posts: 47 | | | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 | It depends what thermostat you have, and on the rest of your cooling system.
There's not really a temperature it "needs to" run at, but as long as you keep it below 210 on the hottest summer day you're doing well. If it runs somewhere at 160-180 on the highway on a typical day that's perfect. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | further thoughts to consider: the thermostat determines the minimum temp the system maintains, but a 350 is very unlikely to ever run lower than 180, probably more like 190-195, but that's with a 15 lb pressure cap, which is a bit much for the original rad even if it's in perfect condition ... you need to use at least a 7# cap, and it'd be a good idea to rig an overflow system as well
Bill | | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 | I run an 8-71blower on a 383ci in my '65 c-10. With the stock radiator, perma cool electric fan and 180 thermostat. Hottest my truck gets is 190. I also use purple ice by royal purple. It's an additive for antifreeze. The fan is 3000cfm and is on a temp relay with the thermostat. Cools after the engine is off to 180. You want to be around 175-190 I think. And if you're gonna cruise make sure it goes through a heat cycle. Get the condensation out of the oil pan and everything.
I can explain it to you, I can't understand it for you.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 | further thoughts to consider: the thermostat determines the minimum temp the system maintains, but a 350 is very unlikely to ever run lower than 180, probably more like 190-195, but that's with a 15 lb pressure cap, which is a bit much for the original rad even if it's in perfect condition ... you need to use at least a 7# cap, and it'd be a good idea to rig an overflow system as well
Bill I know several guys with SBC powered hot rods that run well below 180. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 | What temp does yours run at 46gmcpu? Mine stays around 185 with an outside temp of 80-85.
I can explain it to you, I can't understand it for you.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | The warmer the engine the more efficient it is. My preference is to have a engine at least 180. All new cars come with a 195 thermostat in them. There can be more factors besides the thermostat that affect the operating temperature of an engine. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 | I don't run a SBC in my truck so it's off-topic to talk about that here. I have SBC's in 2 other vehicles that both run at good temperatures, in the 180-200 range. I know several people that have trouble getting their SBC's above 150-160, it all depends on the cooling system setup and all. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Watch these thermostats. About half of the new ones are not any good. If the temp. does not seem right, try another one. They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | |
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