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normal temperature on temp gauge

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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 03:03 PM
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Default normal temperature on temp gauge

1968 convert with NOM 454 engine. Have only run the engine a short time due to working on other issues. Was surprised the coolant temp leveled off at approx. 190-195 on the aftermarket (cheap) temp gauge. Temp sending unit is stock, wiring from sending unit to the gauge is about the only wire on the car that Bubba has not messed with. Oversize aluminum radiator with both the stock fan and an electric fan for the big block motor. Coolant level is full. Have not pulled the thermostat to check what temp it is (hoping it is a 195). What are some of the normal operating temps you see on your car? RA
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 03:14 PM
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Normal is 190-210.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 03:21 PM
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Default temp

Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Normal is 190-210.
Thanks. Makes me feel less anxious. I've had three GM cars back in the 1970's with 454's, but they all were equipped with idiot lights. My RX-7 is especially prone to self-destruction if it overheats, so I am a little gun shy about seeing the needle at the top of the gauge. You ought to see the oversized radiator I have on THAT car! RA
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 03:56 PM
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My stock 68 427/390 with a Dewitt's aluminum radiator runs between 180 and 200 in the summer. Stock clutch fan. Prolonged highway or idling it will be in the 200 range. Around town cruising it's in the 180 range.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 04:30 PM
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Default Temp

Originally Posted by ronarndt
1968 convert with NOM 454 engine. Have only run the engine a short time due to working on other issues. Was surprised the coolant temp leveled off at approx. 190-195 on the aftermarket (cheap) temp gauge. Temp sending unit is stock, wiring from sending unit to the gauge is about the only wire on the car that Bubba has not messed with. Oversize aluminum radiator with both the stock fan and an electric fan for the big block motor. Coolant level is full. Have not pulled the thermostat to check what temp it is (hoping it is a 195). What are some of the normal operating temps you see on your car? RA
Did you mean NOM 427? We all know the 454 wasn't available until 1970. As far as temp that's usually directly related to the tstat's rating as long as everything else is up to snuff.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 08:03 PM
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Stock LS4 454, not rebuilt ..original radiator ......just installed new tstat.....180 degree AC Delco part.

Ambient temp 87 F. ....running 180 -190 max....even in stop in go traffic.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Zoix
Did you mean NOM 427? We all know the 454 wasn't available until 1970. As far as temp that's usually directly related to the tstat's rating as long as everything else is up to snuff.
previous owner swapped out he 427 for a 454
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 10:20 PM
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1970 350

GM aluminum radiator

185* thermostat

gauge says approx. 175*

infrared gun says 185*

Traffic 195*

Highway 185*
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