Engine temperature
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Phila Pa
Engine temperature
I have a 63 conv. With a b.b. 454 in it. The car runs at about 210 degrees but when I'm in traffic it goes up to 220 degrees. Is this normal operating temperature or should I do something to bring it down to under 200. The radiator is the original that came with the car and the small block engine. Am I worried for nothing or should I replace the radiator with a b.b. Radiator? I don't want to make changes if there isn't going to be a big improvement.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Wilton Ca.
That, and the fact that the OP said its original! If it were my car I'd be putting in a nice new DeWitts BB radiator.
Last edited by Gary's '66; Aug 26, 2014 at 08:56 PM.
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From: Phila Pa
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Phila Pa
Thanks for the info guys. I'm going to up grade the radiator when I get the chance. I have a few other things that are in need first. The B.B. DeWitts sounds like the way to go.
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You may need to use a '65 396 radiator. A 66 or 67 radiator requires a different radiator support.
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You may need to use a '65 396 radiator. A 66 or 67 radiator requires a different radiator support.
Jim
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From: Phila Pa
Dewitt sells a b.b. Radiator that will fit the 63 with a few modifications. Mostly just moving the horn relay and voltage reg.
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DeWitts also sells a direct fit radiator with 1.25" tubes, which is an increase in size from what you now have. The number is 1249063M (painted black). $680. You might want to talk to them, as it's suppose to be for performance engines.
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All these packages are designed to mount on the sb pins
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/ls-modified?page=2
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/ls-modified?page=2
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All these packages are designed to mount on the sb pins
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/ls-modified?page=2
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/ls-modified?page=2
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I have a 63 conv. With a b.b. 454 in it. The car runs at about 210 degrees but when I'm in traffic it goes up to 220 degrees. Is this normal operating temperature or should I do something to bring it down to under 200. The radiator is the original that came with the car and the small block engine. Am I worried for nothing or should I replace the radiator with a b.b. Radiator? I don't want to make changes if there isn't going to be a big improvement.