Ideally, what water temp should a BB run at. My cheap aftermarket guage shows 200-205 deg. but the needle doesn't go completely down when cold and I haven't had any overheating issues yet. I would like to go to a cruise this weekend but haven't tested it in 90 deg. weather.

I plan to get new guages, what brand is recommended and is a 3 core radiator big enough for a big block, or should I think about a 4 core.

Thanks in advance, Jamie

I think you want to run about 180+ degrees... Hot enought to burn off many contaminants...

Do you know what thermostat you have in it now? Can you watch the guage on initial warm-up? When I first start my car, I can watch the temp guage rise (during the first 5 minutes or so), and right at the thermostat opening temp (180 in my case), I can actually see the needle drop as the cold water comes into the engine (drops from 180 to maybe 140-150?)... After its warmed up, the water temps are more uniform, and I can't discern the temp difference...

For you 67 Chevelle, IF you decide to go for a new radiator, I'd definitely consider an Aluminum cross-flow design, as , IMO, they are more efficient at cooling... You should be able to buy a "bolt-in" one for your car (stock 67s came with a down-flow setup). Most of the aluminum ones sem to be 2-core, but they are bigger cores than the brass ones...

I personally like Autometer guages...

Hits 210 in traffic... quite normal. 200-210 is where it stays.

Look at www.chevellecooling.com, = Alumitech reproductions. GREAT radiator, I now run at 180° no matter what, used to run like you. Saved a lot of weight off the front end in the process. There are many good posts about them on this board.

180 - 200 is fine.
I ran a 3 core and it did overheat once. That was in a traffic jam
and it was 95 deg outside. I have a 4 core now.

I bought the Autogage 260 degree sweep gage cluster last year.
Black on black. I really like them. With the 2 5/8 diameter 260 degree sweep, you can easily see a change in the needles on the Voltage, Temp and
Oil pressure. Also, you can tell what is going on at a quick glance rather
than having to put on reading glasses to find out what you oil pressure is.

Dave

Thanks for the responses!

From what I understand the sending unit placement will change the readings. In the head vs. the intake may be 10*- 15* difference.
Any input?

Hey, mild-

Correct, in the head will be 10°-15° higher. (FYI: Alt and 0176 = °)

See you at Super Chevy? That was an odd coincidence last time. I'll be in the Pypes booth with the car this year. Hot start and hot running (Alumitech) issues are resolved this time!