Cool air?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Cool air?
On my 69 BB, I have foam above the radiatior that seals against the hood, and the radiatior shroud is also sealed, so that any air reaching the carb has gone through the radiator or came up from underneath. The car doesn't run hot except when stopped on a hot day. Question-would removing the foam above the radiatior help cool air get to the carb while at speed? Everything under the hood is too hot to hold on to after warming up. Any ideas as how to cool the engine compartment?
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
You're better to leave the foam in place to direct the air flow through the radiator instead of around it. The C3's just don't flow air well especially the big blocks.
If it's real bad on a hot day use this old tip:
Pop the hood and stand a beer (or soda) can at the rear opening of the hood to prop it up. A couple of zip ties, or even shoe laces if you're stuck, tied to the hood latches will keep the hood from lifting too high. You'll be amazed at how much your temp will drop using this tip and not only engine temp but floor/cabin temp drops right down too.
I flew to Houston, TX. last August to pick up a '70 big block (A/C not working) for Joe Younane and drove it back to California through the Texas, New Mexico and Arizona deserts cool as a cucumber by doing this.
If it's real bad on a hot day use this old tip:
Pop the hood and stand a beer (or soda) can at the rear opening of the hood to prop it up. A couple of zip ties, or even shoe laces if you're stuck, tied to the hood latches will keep the hood from lifting too high. You'll be amazed at how much your temp will drop using this tip and not only engine temp but floor/cabin temp drops right down too.
I flew to Houston, TX. last August to pick up a '70 big block (A/C not working) for Joe Younane and drove it back to California through the Texas, New Mexico and Arizona deserts cool as a cucumber by doing this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 1
From: Same as our leaders Out of my mind
Go to Doc Rebuild for some Steamin Heat Relief Medicine (no bull!). I posted an earlier thread (Runs Too Hot) and that is what I was told. There is also a stock air venting system that mounts on top of the radiator and directs air into the breather. Is yours missing? If it is, air escapes past the radiator (defeating the efficiency of the radiator) and mixes with the under hood (hot) air. The foam seals are important, do not remove them unless you are replacing them, they force air through the radiator and fan shroud. I replaced mine today. There are also aftermarket cooling fans available for your ride - see DeWitts for their cooling products. My .02 
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