I was out with the convertible last night and it seems to be running a little hot. The temp idiot light winked on after sitting at idle for a few minutes when we went through the drive through. I have the stock fan with a three-row radiator. I'm going to put gauges in before the trip to CB.

I was thinking about the thermostat and I'm pretty sure I put a 180° in, but admittedly I can't remember, so I'm going to replace it for insurance. Should I go with 180 or perhaps a 160? Obviously if I have a 180 and it's working, replacing it with another 180 won't help.

particulars:

330hp 350 with qjet, Performer manifold, 9.5:1 comp, CC cam. I suspect it runs a little hotter than my old warmed over 350

Cheers,
Andy

!80 is the one you want. Full flow type would be nice. If your lucky the thermostat could be the problem. If still gets hot, need an acurate guage, than go from there. Fan clutch, radiator, restriction etc.

!80 is the one you want. Full flow type would be nice. If your lucky the thermostat could be the problem. If still gets hot, need an acurate guage, than go from there. Fan clutch, radiator, restriction etc.

Just got back from the parts store. I picked up a 180°. The one they had for my application is a 195° so I think that's what I have in there now (I'll know when I take it out). I'm going to put gauges in this week (temp, oil pres., trans temp at the very least) so we'll see about the actual temp. I hope it's the themostat because if the car is getting hot the trans is getting hot too.

Cheers,
Andy

If the stat is the problem it should be overheating under other conditions also. Keep in mind that the stat only controls how cool the engine can run, not how hot. Cooling system condition and ignition timing affect how hot the engine runs.

If the stat is the problem it should be overheating under other conditions also. Keep in mind that the stat only controls how cool the engine can run, not how hot. Cooling system condition and ignition timing affect how hot the engine runs.

That makes sense. I never thought of it that way before. But wouldn't having a cooler temp thermostat lower the overall engine temp by the same amount, or at least give you some extra temp range for the engine to operate in by opening at a lower temp?

Andy

That makes sense. I never thought of it that way before. But wouldn't having a cooler temp thermostat lower the overall engine temp by the same amount, or at least give you some extra temp range for the engine to operate in by opening at a lower temp?

Andy
Only if you have a very cool running engine. BUT, 180 is a good temperature you want your engine to run at. 160 is not hot enough, 170 so so. If you have an engine that stays at 180 your set. I have one, luckily...If you buy your 180 and engine still runs hotter than that, a 160 or 170 will mean nothing for you. Some guys run the 160, not the way to go. That engine should run at least 180..If your engine runs to 210 your still OK. BUT, you have got to have a readable GUAGE!!!!! For all you know your temp is perfect...

Only if you have a very cool running engine. BUT, 180 is a good temperature you want your engine to run at. 160 is not hot enough, 170 so so. If you have an engine that stays at 180 your set. I have one, luckily...If you buy your 180 and engine still runs hotter than that, a 160 or 170 will mean nothing for you. Some guys run the 160, not the way to go. That engine should run at least 180..If your engine runs to 210 your still OK. BUT, you have got to have a readable GUAGE!!!!! For all you know your temp is perfect...


That's true. I'm pretty familiar with this car (had it 9 years), and it seems noticeably hotter to me. However, like you said there is no way to know for sure without a gauge. I'm putting together an order from Summit for a water temp, oil pressure, and trans temp now.

Cheers,
Andy

Dropped in a new 180° thermostat yesterday. The old one was 180° as well, but the car seemed to run cooler.

My gauges should be here Thursday, so I'll know soon after that.

Thanks for the insight.

Cheers,
Andy