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okay, thanks for the quick reply
I put a 3 core alum radiator in and I'm averaging 210 with it,,
with clutch fan, stock shroud, I'm thinking about putting a electric fan in it.. thanks again
Which thermostat do you have installed? If not already installed, a 180* thermostat will most likely lower your temp.
Also, make sure all of the proper seals are installed correctly around the radiator shroud. The air really needs to go through the radiator and not around it.
I have a 180* in my 70 L-46, even on the hottest days (100*) the temp stays right around 180*.
Which thermostat do you have installed? If not already installed a 180* thermostat will most likely lower your temp.
yes I have a 180 in there.. but its still at 210...higher with the air on...so I just leave the air off...already made a alum shroud for a electric fan...just need to purchase a good one...thanks for your reply!
Have you checked the top radiator hose with an IR gun to get an accurate temperature? Is your temp gage accurate?
Has the water pump ever been replaced? If so, when? Original/old water pumps used a cast impellor. Over time the blades can corrode, then they don't push as much water as they should.
The first question is what year do you have. The late 70's and early 80's Corvettes were designed to run at around 210. They needed the higher operating temps, to burn off emissions. The pre catalytic converter cars normally ran around 180.
When you put your new radiator in, did you replace all of the support and radiator seals? The seals really need to be in place, for the radiator to cool properly. Is your fan clutch good? Is the timing set properly? Any of these can cause a car to run hot too?
Finally, do you have the front spoiler installed? Without the spoiler, these cars will run hot. The spoiler is designed to force air up from under the car, and into the radiator. Very little air gets to the radiator, through the grills on a 68-82 Corvette, especially when the headlights are closed.
if your cooling system is functioning properly the system should run no more than app. 10 degrees above your thermostat. ...if everything is functioning properly.
that's a lot of if's, ... if adequate capacity water cooling and pump,
and all air cooling seals are in place.
I live in Texas and run 160 thermostat, after a hard run it might climb to 170 then comes right back down to 160, this is with a 500hp BB and original style brass radiator.
and yes my gauge is calibrated for correct readout.
if mine ever climbed to 220 I would shut it down, or try and idle down the cooling.
Saying 220 is normal is wrong... unless your running 200 t-stat.
Saying 220 is normal is wrong... unless your running 200 t-stat.
I can't speak for the later cars, but for 1968-1972 Corvettes, 210 degrees is considered normal operating temperature... It is stated as such right in the owners manual. If I recall correctly, it even goes on to say that in certain situations, it might get to 230 degrees and still be OK.
The engineers wanted the car to run at that temperature for a reason (most likely engine wear related)... It may be hotter than you would like, but it IS normal operating temperature for a stock Corvette.
