Another '77 Project
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Hey Markids,
Yep, I did install the spoiler and I also put new foam on top of the radiator support and between the radiator and the support. The foam really helped out a lot. I can let it idle as long as I want even when it's 100 degrees outside and it just sits at 200 on the gauge. It just kept climbing before the foam.
Agreed on the carb - I think it's very close right now. After thinking it through, I'm guessing the run circuit is a little lean - power circuit seems fine and it idles fantastic. I'm thinking some fine tuning there and to work on my timing some as well. I'm running 9 BTDC now. Thinking I'll go a couple more and also work on my total advance.
Adam
Yep, I did install the spoiler and I also put new foam on top of the radiator support and between the radiator and the support. The foam really helped out a lot. I can let it idle as long as I want even when it's 100 degrees outside and it just sits at 200 on the gauge. It just kept climbing before the foam.
Agreed on the carb - I think it's very close right now. After thinking it through, I'm guessing the run circuit is a little lean - power circuit seems fine and it idles fantastic. I'm thinking some fine tuning there and to work on my timing some as well. I'm running 9 BTDC now. Thinking I'll go a couple more and also work on my total advance.
Adam
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
Likes: 3
From: Savannah GA
There were vertical foam seals as well. My research indicates that the rubber gasket at the rear of the hood helps somehow also. I intend to put all that back along with a new HD fan clutch, and a 3 core aluminum radiator which I am certain will be good even though it is not made by a certain supporting vendor who shall remain unnamed.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Hey Markids,
I have the rear hood seal in place - it's dry and hard but it's there and not torn up. I have thought about putting some foam in place on the sides of the radiator as well. I think that would be wise. I'll have to dig through the reference photos I have and see what's used and where. I was really surprised at how much of a difference the foam made. Two strips of foam and it dropped the temps almost 15 degrees!
I'd love to have an aluminum radiator, but our car came with a brand new replacement which (so far) seems to work very well. New clutch on the fan as well.
Bottom line here is - it's just HOT. The next few days are going to be at 105+ in the afternoon. Even if the car would stay cool, it isn't much fun to cruise in those temps
Mornings are still very nice - upper 60's to low 70's so that's the time to enjoy the car.
Adam
I have the rear hood seal in place - it's dry and hard but it's there and not torn up. I have thought about putting some foam in place on the sides of the radiator as well. I think that would be wise. I'll have to dig through the reference photos I have and see what's used and where. I was really surprised at how much of a difference the foam made. Two strips of foam and it dropped the temps almost 15 degrees!
I'd love to have an aluminum radiator, but our car came with a brand new replacement which (so far) seems to work very well. New clutch on the fan as well.
Bottom line here is - it's just HOT. The next few days are going to be at 105+ in the afternoon. Even if the car would stay cool, it isn't much fun to cruise in those temps
Mornings are still very nice - upper 60's to low 70's so that's the time to enjoy the car.Adam
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Does the foam actually help cool the engine when you are at idle? It seems like at idle the air that is moving is from the fan, but at speed you would have pressure in front of the radiator and the seal would force it to go through it and not around it. Just my thoughts as I have not had mine running long enough to get hot yet... so obviously not an expert...
The car looks great. It is funny to see the before and after photos. From those somebody who has not followed your build would say "what have you been doing all this time". But we know
Keep up the good work
-brent
The car looks great. It is funny to see the before and after photos. From those somebody who has not followed your build would say "what have you been doing all this time". But we know
Keep up the good work
-brent
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Hey Brent,
Thanks! It's coming along pretty well now. I'm just learning about the foam as well so maybe someone with more real world experience will chime in here. I noticed a difference even at idle (hood closed). It would seem to me that the fan will be pulling more air in through the radiator - moving or not.
I pulled my plugs and I'm lean. Time to fatten it up a little with some stiffer rod springs. Seems like I found my sweet spot on the fuel pressure - 7psi. No flooding which is awesome.
Adam
Thanks! It's coming along pretty well now. I'm just learning about the foam as well so maybe someone with more real world experience will chime in here. I noticed a difference even at idle (hood closed). It would seem to me that the fan will be pulling more air in through the radiator - moving or not.
I pulled my plugs and I'm lean. Time to fatten it up a little with some stiffer rod springs. Seems like I found my sweet spot on the fuel pressure - 7psi. No flooding which is awesome.
Adam
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 13
From: Mascoutah IL
Yepper, our next few months will be very HOT!!! Vegas doesn't get nearly as hot as Phoenix, but either way, it is just HOT!!! Maybe contemplate getting a Dual SPAL setup to replace the fan clutch... Know that probably isn't in the budget, so morning driving will be the best bet for now...
Rogman
Rogman
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Hey Roger,
Would love to have a dual setup! Maybe as we save up that will happen. I've not read up on that much, but electrical draw would be my main concern. Once I put in new wiring harnesses I'd be less concerned about it. A nice aluminum radiator would be a great investment as well.
Adam
Would love to have a dual setup! Maybe as we save up that will happen. I've not read up on that much, but electrical draw would be my main concern. Once I put in new wiring harnesses I'd be less concerned about it. A nice aluminum radiator would be a great investment as well.
Adam
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,868
Likes: 13
From: Mascoutah IL
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Thanks Roger.
Taking a little break from the car. I got a call in the middle of the night that my Mom passed away so I'll be dealing with that for a bit. Been a long night.
Adam
Taking a little break from the car. I got a call in the middle of the night that my Mom passed away so I'll be dealing with that for a bit. Been a long night.
Adam
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Sorry about your mom adam.....your motor looks amazing....I just have to say it...the Dewitts direct fit radiator was dollar for dollar one of the best investments I have put in the 73.....it was like a miracle, and the Big Blocks have a track record of over heating.... it's a lot of money up front but, ours has more than paid for itself, just in peace of mind.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers guys - I mean that.
I may tinker with the car tomorrow morning for a bit. Not good to sit around too much at this point. Will be making a trip back to South Dakota next week.
Thanks again, and 73Corvette thanks for the idea on the radiator. It's not going unnoticed or unappreciated.
Adam
I may tinker with the car tomorrow morning for a bit. Not good to sit around too much at this point. Will be making a trip back to South Dakota next week.
Thanks again, and 73Corvette thanks for the idea on the radiator. It's not going unnoticed or unappreciated.
Adam
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 268
From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C3 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Man, I'm sorry for you loss. I wish I knew what else to say other then that. We all wish you the best in dealing with the situation.
