350 Operating Temp?
 

okay, I put in the factory console gauges and the temp gauge doesnt have numbers on it. A friend has been badgering me to put an actual Temp gauge in it so I did today. to my surprise Im running at 210 on average. about 208 running and 212 at idle. since the thermostat was put in it over 5 years ago I cant remember what we went with. I was thinking Id like to run around 200 degrees on average, especially since Im going to Cruising the Coast in October where theres alot of idling in traffic.

what thermostat are you guys running? and what temp do you average?

looking for opinions... both shade tree and expert. THanks! :D

You are using the sending unit that came with the aftermarket gauge, and not the one used for the factory console gauge....right?
180 would be a desirable temperature to be at. I have a 180 stat in mine, and it might hit 190 when it's hot out, or when it's screaming down the highway. It's maybe hit 200 once or twice when in traffic. Mind you, I have a better venting hood than you do though. ;)

nope, just the sending unit I bought across the counter at NAPA. didnt think about that. this is the AUtoMeter gauge i saved from the old dash.

Then I wouldn't trust that your sending unit and the one for the AutoMeter would have the same resistance values, probably don't. Btw, mechanical gauges rule!

My vote would be for a 180F stat. Always ran a 180 in all my cars and never had an issue.

I never understood why people put in a 200F stat's when water boils at 212F.

I also understand that your system pressure also is a consideration to when the water boilers, but a 200F stat is still too close for my comfort.

I know you said you were going to check it out, but my Sun 2-5/8" water temp electrical gauge would only work with the Sun sending unit, so 69 Camaro is probably dead on with that statement.

yea, Im gonna makes some changes. I have a Mr Gasket Thermo Radiator Cap that I put on when we originally got it running so I could run it and watch the temp until I got my gauges in and it never shows it getting above 180. but I dont know how accurate that thing it either. thanks Bruce.

Radiator coolant temperature and engine coolant temperature are three different things....if I did my math right. ;)

By the way Scooch, really liked your buildup section.

I wanted to add a smart comment to 69 Camaro's comment, but don't you just hate when your brain goes dry........

I gotcha 69. :D

and thanks Bruce. I got discouraged alot along the way and backed off but I tried to take the time to put as much as I could in my thread when I got back to work in October.

Heating Issues
 

Hi. New to the Forum.
Got a '67 with a 350 vortec. Runs good, but runs extremely warm.
I bought the car with the current setup in it:
Huge aluminum radiator
Electric fan (none on the engine)
Regular thermostat
Heater lines not hooked up (Have to replace the heater core)
Running down the road - never gets above 190 degrees
Sitting in traffic for over 5 minutes - got over 210
Looking for suggestions.
Please help.
Would love to take it to Cruising the Coast, but definitely won't make it thru traffic as is, or Mississippi summers.