jd79383

OK lol now that I have your attention.

This 383 is running super hot. Beyond the badass radiator (which I have), and the Electric fans (which is my next step), any tips on how to keep her cooler?

76 406ci

well... you need all of the spoiler and airdam installed. also need the radiator sealed up so the air will flow good.

jd79383

I have the stock 79 body parts (L-82), I am not sure what you mean by radiator sealed up.

ddawson

The rubber seals that go around the radiator to make sure no air gets past it.

cooper9811

What are the specific symptoms?

Without knowing more, We can give you a list of things you should check. Knowing symptoms may help narrow some of this down. The list below is what I would start working through if I wasn't sure.

First, as directed above by jd 406ci and ddawson, make sure you are forcing air into the radiator:
- Make sure the air dam and lower valance are installed
- The radiator and shroud seals are in place

Next check the following:
- Water pump good?
- Lower radiator hose collapsing at speed? If you don't have a spring inside the hose, they can collapse as RPM goes up.
- Thermostat opening? - Does you upper rad hose get hot after a few minutes? (a quick check that implies the stat has opened and water is flowing).
- Fan cfm - you nstate you have electric fans - some setups on the market do not pull enough air. May be easier to determine if the car is getting hot at idle. For a stock motor, I would look for at least 2500 cfm - you may find differing opinions on this though.
- Check your ignition timing - especially with a "non-stock" engine, timing needs adequate advance. Retarded timing can cause an engine to run hot. I would doubt factory timing specs are adequate for your stroker, but I don't know the combination so it's hard to guess.

Good luck.

gkull

I have a 79 L-82. It was sold with a 4 core radiator, a chin spoiler underneath, and a working flap to let air out (and Down) on the electric fan shroud for a AC equipped model.

Is you BA radiator the same size as stock?

Do you use a high flow Slant or similar thermostat?

I extended the chin spoiler to create less air flow under the car creating more flow through the radiator.

Do you have an automatic with the fluid going to the engine radiator?

jd79383

To be honest, I am not much of a mechanic. I have some knowledge, but send my car to a mechanic for the actual work.

When he installed the aftermarket radiator he removed all the shrouds saying they were difficult to remount and he didn't think I needed them. We are going to have a talk.

I have not installed electric yet, the one I am looking at is 6500cfm and comes with a shroud. I will check the air dam and flap.

The transmission is the stock th350 and the fluid cools in the radiator.

I will also check the hoses as suggested. I'm not sure if my lower has a spring, but I would assume the thermostat is high flow since it came crated. I will double check.

Does anyone know a vette guy in the Wilkes Barre, Scranton PA area?

Thank you for all the good advice, This is the first of many questions I'm sure.

sstopczy

I would start with putting the shroud back. I'm guessing that will solve your problem. If not, you can track it down after the shroud is in place.

gkull

Time to get a competent mechanic!

Easy Mike

Define "super hot". 210-220 is normal operation temperature.

pauldana

what is the temp? is it above 240? does it run hot (what temp) doing 60mph steady? does it run hot (what temp) at idle?

edit: HAHA,,, Easy Mike kind of beat me to it.. that is what i was getting at...

76 406ci

my vett runs between 190* to 210*. gotta have the air flow through the radiator good. remember the radiator is mounted on a slight angle.