[hreyes]

I have a 327SBC bored 60 over, 280 cam, HOLLEY 650 DP, Hooker headers. Is running at 210-220 to hot?

 

[rkd]

Imho, yes, I would expect no more than 190, idling in traffic with the ac on.

May need more radiator or more airflow/fan?

Any hint of head gasket issues?

Please note that this is based on the current 40 over 350 in my 66, which seems to stay under 200, even at stop lights, etc, in traffic.

 

[Finally]

If it creeps up to 200 or even a little over while sitting at a light on hot day that's not a problem. It shouldn't be over 200 while moving though.

Timing, not enough advance, and running lean will cause the engine to run hotter. What type of fan? Are you using a shroud around the fan? Blades should be roughly half way into the shroud. Plugged radiator?

Start with timing unless you don't have a fan shroud, then start there. With that cam you should be able to run 16>18 degrees initial advance, at idle, and 36>38 full mechanical advance all in between 2500 and 3000 rpm. Read the spark plugs to see if it's running lean.

 

[hreyes]

Thanks I am running 4 core radiator with two electric fan blow air torwards the engine with a shrout and have a 180 Termastat. The temperature here is typically 90 to 100 degress outside. I will try messing with the timing.

 

[69307/350Chevelle]

I'm having somewhat of the same prob, only I have a 307. I think the timing is ok. But can you explain how it being lean will make it run hotter? I'll try making it richer before i drive tonight and see if that helps. Car has A/C also.

 

[Finally]

...But can you explain how it being lean will make it run hotter? I'll try making it richer before i drive tonight and see if that helps. Car has A/C also.

It just does, a lean mixture burns at a higher temp.

 

[lg1969]

I heard changing to a 3 core radiator will make the engine run cooler then using a 4 core radiator, because it restricts the air flow. I do not know if this is true.

 

[Finally]

I heard changing to a 3 core radiator will make the engine run cooler then using a 4 core radiator, because it restricts the air flow. I do not know if this is true.

Don't think GM would have spent extra dollars for a 4 core on solid lifter engines or AC equiped cars if it didn't cool better. All thinks being equal, 3 core copper brass or 4 core copper brass, the 4 core should provide better cooling.

 

[SWHEATON]

With the 280 cam in a 327 ensure your running enough base timing of 18 deg with that cam along with vac adv hooked to full int vacuum too.

Retarded base timing and not vac adv at idle will increase idle temps in most cases so keep that in mind .

What in traffic and cruise temps is it actually running?

195-200deg temps in traffic is fine,even 205-210 for a short amount of time on a real hot 90+ deg HHH day is acceptable too as long as temps dont go higher and the motor cools down as soon as you get the car moving again at cruise.

Did you try a new 180 deg stat?

And as also mentioned ensure proper airflow with proper fan shroud and good clutch fan with hd fan clutch for better airflow at idle.

Also,what rad are you running(2-3-4core?),is it clean inside,and how old is it?

Scott

 

[hreyes]

The 4 core Radiator is new. While reading through some of the other postings something obvious just came to mind. I also am running a transcooler mounted in front of my radiator and as I read in other postings that might be contributing to increase in temperature.

 

[68KMENO]

if your radiator has been in there a long time ...... you more then likely have a scale build up in the tubes !!

flushing it may help ..... draining & refilling it with a solution with lime away or calgunite dish washing soap for a day may also help ..... although a re-core is what I recommend if you still see build up after an attempt at cleaning

 

[richietables]

The 4 core Radiator is new. While reading through some of the other postings something obvious just came to mind. I also am running a transcooler mounted in front of my radiator and as I read in other postings that might be contributing to increase in temperature.

I just took out my .060 over 327. The transcooler was mounted to the MIDDLE of the front of my radiator, but a few weeks back I moved it to the side (but still in clean air at cruise) and about 3" in front of the rad and it helped quite a bit. Your area is hotter generally, but I would get a bit nervous if it was up at 210-220 for long periods. Mine runs at 180-185 on the highway on a hot day. I don't have AC.