How hot do y'all get?

[75gmck25]

In answer to the original question - 210 degrees is not a problem for the engine, but a good cooling system should keep it closer to about 5 degrees above the thermostat value (200 degrees with a 195 thermostat). Modern engines run as much as 230 degrees, but have electric fans that kick in to keep it from going higher.

I'm using a 195 degree high flow thermostat, Stewart stage 1 high flow water pump, HD fan clutch and metal blade OEM fan, and a Champion 3 row aluminum radiator I got from Jegs. This is by far the most stable combination I've had in my truck.

I also installed a Stewart Warner mechanical temp gauge so that I would get an accurate temperature measurement. Normal running temp is about 185-190 degrees, and I've never seen it higher than about 195, even while idling with the A/C on in 90 degree weather.

Bruce

 

[82sbshortbed]

Does it have the Auto Trans cooler tank? What about the Oil Cooler tank for BBC on the other side?

Looks like it does. Here's another pic of it.

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I even have the trans lines for it.

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[MR Garage]

My 383 Stroker Runs about 180 Water temp and 200-210 Oil temp all day long even when it is over 90 degrees. I am still running stock water pump, with stock radiator, but did bypass radiator to run an external transmission cooler.

 

[shiftpro]

My Fo Fitty Fo also runs at 210 on hot days. With that big ass radiator and heavy duty factory cooling system, I honestly feel it's likely the guage not being 100% accurate. It's got a 195 degree Tstat in it, so that's only 15 degrees and not much further of a sweep to get tot 210. I figured it's probably actually more like 200. Even if it is 210, doubtful it's hurting anything though 180-195 is best. I'm probably going to drop to a 180 degree T stat being that BBC like to run warm by nature.

Your clutch fan may not be working right. It should be stiff to rotate when the engine is cold. It's surprising how much cooler they run when the fan works.

 

[Goldie Driver]

I put in a newly built 4 core radiator this weekend - my old metal tanks plus a new core. I also put back in what I assume was the OE 195 thermostat .

According to the gauge, the thermostat opens 2 - 3 needle widths above the 2nd mark on the left (1/4).

It runs about a needle width over the quarter mark on the highway - it will go back to pretty much on the quarter mark during street driving .

So, I GUESS I am running around 190 -195 on the highway and maybe 180 - 185ish around town.

The above was with the ac off and50/50 parts store green coolant.

The prior thermostat was a 180 - I can see on the gauge that it indicated a slightly lower temperature with it in.

Purely unscientific , but maybe good info with bone stock gauge setups.

Britt

 

[HotRodPC]

Your clutch fan may not be working right. It should be stiff to rotate when the engine is cold. It's surprising how much cooler they run when the fan works.

I don't think it's running hot, I think it's just the gauge. I think it actually shows 210 at 195. Even in the winter it runs 210.

 

[shiftpro]

I don't think it's running hot, I think it's just the gauge. I think it actually shows 210 at 195. Even in the winter it runs 210.

Thjat's the opposite of my '86, my gauge barely moves. When it rises to the first line, it's fully warm. A skiff over the line is getting hot.