What is everyones tempature on their Big Block Chevelles? Please tell me if my tempature is normal. I just did a frame up restoration and I have a new radiator (4 care AC radiator), high summit flow cast iron water pump, clutch fan (which is in excellent working condition), new hoses, and no thermostat. In hot and humid tempatures I have a reading of about 210 to 220 when sitting but when running it gets cooler. Again what is everyones tempature, and what should mine be?? Or is my tempature in the right range?

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ACES Member #2987
1972 Chevelle SS (http://www.aaca.org/wraaca/anthony.html)
1987 GTA
1998 Camaro SS (Y2Y)
1978 Pontiac TransAm

Mine was in that range on hot days in traffic... I installed a Stewart High-flow pump, March pulleys (OVER-drive/street rod ratio)and sealed my fan shroud to the radiator... Drpped it down to where the other day, it didn't see over 190, and was down to about 180 when moving... And I didn't have to turn on my electric fans (additional in front of the radiator).

Also, the temp sender location will affect the temp reading... I have mine in the cylinder head, right above the exhaust manifold... Supposedly, this spot will run 5-10 degrees warmer than a sensor in the manifold (by the thermostat).

You really should run a thermostat. There is no reason not to...

I have a 396, 1966 Chevelle, 1970-style 7-blade clutch fan, aluminum radiator, stock shroud, and the Stewart pump and hi-po thermostat... I am running mostly distilled water with a little coolant...

This weekend will be the big test for me... Temps supposed to be over 100 degrees outside, so I will see what it does in traffic...

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"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."
TC #1366
Tony
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Quik66.jpg
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/eng7.jpg

I had similiar problems with a BB in a Nova. I now have a Stage II Stewart pump, shroud, and BeCool aluminum rad. Ive only see it get to 210 once in 105* uphill traffic for 20 mins. On the open road it plummeted back down to 185. Definately run a thermostat. There was a huge thread on this subject over at Chevytalk. Apparently in addition to getting your heater warmer much quicker it helps to create turbulence ("mix" up the water) and prevent laminar flow through the radiator. The more pure water during these summer months the better. Just make sure to add a rust inhibitor... Good Luck!

I had similiar problems with a BB in a Nova. I now have a Stage II Stewart pump, shroud, and BeCool aluminum rad. Ive only see it get to 210 once in 105* uphill traffic for 20 mins. On the open road it plummeted back down to 185. Definately run a thermostat. There was a huge thread on this subject over at Chevytalk. Apparently in addition to getting your heater warmer much quicker it helps to create turbulence ("mix" up the water) and prevent laminar flow through the radiator. The more pure water during these summer months the better. Just make sure to add a rust inhibitor... Good Luck!