d'oh, fail. i did have some underlying issues, but they were mainly related to injectors and valves. when i tore the 305 apart, i found no major scale build up in the heads or block, and the head gaskets were good. i had the twin tpi fans (still do in the shed if anyone is interested) and they just wouldnt keep it cold. i had an aftermarket gauge in the intake manifold, i was told be a member here that was a good place to put it. i found out the sensor i removed was the cold start injector sensor, so my car wouldnt start below 30 without eather.