BB engine heat
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 575
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From: Nice Lake Ontario
BB engine heat
I think we can all agree Big blocks have always been known to run warm. Many years ago I had a Glenwood MH with a 400 SB, it had an engine oil cooler that consisted of a "block?" plumbed between the oil filter & engine block. I don't know whether it was original or not but am wondering if anyone has added an oil cooler to their BB to help out??
I would think a cooler like this would be a welcome addition to help control these thing?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Comments
I would think a cooler like this would be a welcome addition to help control these thing?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku
Comments
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Taylor Michigan
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
I have no problems runnig at that temperature either. With a good cooling system bigblocks run as cool as small blocks.
Thats a horrible misconception so often present on this forum and others. A proper OEM cooling system will never overheat whether it`s a BB or SB and with or without AC. Most of the problems arise when a owner substitutes fancy after market pieces for the OEM parts thinking there better.
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I really believe that a big block Corvette doesn't need any aftermarket fixes to prevent overheating. It only needs to be set up properly. ie: radiator, fan, timing, 50/50 anti freeze/distilled water mix. proper thermostat etc. My 68 427/390 runs about 180/190 on the highway and about 210 on a hot summer day in stop and go traffic. I consider that normal. Rather than throwing aftermarket fixes at them, they need to be set up properly.
What are some of your big blocks running for temp in traffic on a warm summer day?
What are some of your big blocks running for temp in traffic on a warm summer day?
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
I think there's a difference between running hot and cooking the occupants. 
Mine runs @180 and there's no issue with cooling, BUT the HEAT generated by that ol BB is incredible.
In the summer, I roast. It's like being in a sauna.
Mine runs @180 and there's no issue with cooling, BUT the HEAT generated by that ol BB is incredible. In the summer, I roast. It's like being in a sauna.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by Ironcross
Thats a horrible misconception so often present on this forum and others. A proper OEM cooling system will never overheat whether it`s a BB or SB and with or without AC. Most of the problems arise when a owner substitutes fancy after market pieces for the OEM parts thinking there better.
My 69 502 has a copper/brass 4 row and clutch fan..(5 blade fan)....yesterday in stop/go traffic at 100 F all was well....just under 200...never sees 210...
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by Jughead
I think there's a difference between running hot and cooking the occupants. Mine runs @180 and there's no issue with cooling, BUT the HEAT generated by that ol BB is incredible.
In the summer, I roast. It's like being in a sauna.
Mine runs @180 and there's no issue with cooling, BUT the HEAT generated by that ol BB is incredible. In the summer, I roast. It's like being in a sauna.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
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From: Oak Ridge NC
Originally Posted by Jughead
I think there's a difference between running hot and cooking the occupants. Mine runs @180 and there's no issue with cooling, BUT the HEAT generated by that ol BB is incredible.
In the summer, I roast. It's like being in a sauna.
Mine runs @180 and there's no issue with cooling, BUT the HEAT generated by that ol BB is incredible. In the summer, I roast. It's like being in a sauna.
Me too...gets hot especially near my feet!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
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From: Taylor Michigan
I laugh over the subject of BB Chevies as always running hot. I personally have 6 pieces with BB`s of various HP and with and with out AC.
The 68 427 L88 Vette
A 67 SS/RS L78 Camaro 4 speed
A 68 SS/RS Camaro 427 L72 Turbo 400 with factory AC
A 68 SS Camaro 454 LS7 Turbo 400
A 73 SS El Camino 454 Turbo 400 with factory AC
And a 427 L88 19 foot V drive ski boat.
All of them run proper tempertures of 180-190 except the canoe that is low at 140 because of the lake water. All of these cars are equiped with OEM factory cooling systems, none of them have any afermarket cooling junk. So if ever a problem should exist with BB`s, I should have had it.
The 68 427 L88 Vette
A 67 SS/RS L78 Camaro 4 speed
A 68 SS/RS Camaro 427 L72 Turbo 400 with factory AC
A 68 SS Camaro 454 LS7 Turbo 400
A 73 SS El Camino 454 Turbo 400 with factory AC
And a 427 L88 19 foot V drive ski boat.
All of them run proper tempertures of 180-190 except the canoe that is low at 140 because of the lake water. All of these cars are equiped with OEM factory cooling systems, none of them have any afermarket cooling junk. So if ever a problem should exist with BB`s, I should have had it.
Race Director
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Originally Posted by SmokinBBC
Me too...gets hot especially near my feet!Getting ready to install same on the 78 vette...which is hot at interior footwells...near 110 F sometimes....
Last edited by rihwoods; Jun 4, 2006 at 03:10 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Oak Ridge NC
Originally Posted by rihwoods
I run the exterior plastic heat sheilds with insulation on footwell (69)...works great..no A/C either...
Getting ready to install same on the 78 vette...which is hot at interior footwells...near 110 F sometimes....
Getting ready to install same on the 78 vette...which is hot at interior footwells...near 110 F sometimes....
Where can I get those?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by SmokinBBC
Where can I get those?
Here is pic of my 69 footwell shield.(by previous owner)..think plastic ones are better...disapate heat quicker..be sure to use good grade of insulation between shield and footwell...
Rich
Edit note: They call them "splash shields"....
Last edited by rihwoods; Jun 4, 2006 at 03:54 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
Heat ... ?
Yeah, I spent alots of money "restoring" / fixing my stock system. I live in Houston, Texas so it gets hot! I went with a DeWitts radiator, new seals and a Stewart water pump. However when I actually checked the temps that my gauge was reading I realised that my gauge was NOT really reading what it should. A pyrometer, or one of those cheap laser temp reading guns will tell you what you really have. I suspect in more than a few cases these hot running vettes, may not be running as hot as one would initally think.
Another thing ,I firmly believe that some of the "fixes" offered up by various people are NOT fixes. I think a properly set up system using good parts should work.
Now I just need to fix my temp gauge and get enough faith to believe it! Or just keep carrying that little heat gun about!
As for the HOT feet; I double dynomated the car. And that made a difference. I might try the heat shields. I also want to either coat my exhaust manifolds or use Thermotec's exhaust manifold blankets.
carbster
Another thing ,I firmly believe that some of the "fixes" offered up by various people are NOT fixes. I think a properly set up system using good parts should work.
Now I just need to fix my temp gauge and get enough faith to believe it! Or just keep carrying that little heat gun about!
As for the HOT feet; I double dynomated the car. And that made a difference. I might try the heat shields. I also want to either coat my exhaust manifolds or use Thermotec's exhaust manifold blankets.
carbster
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
Originally Posted by carbster09
As for the HOT feet; I double dynomated the car. And that made a difference. I might try the heat shields. I also want to either coat my exhaust manifolds or use Thermotec's exhaust manifold blankets.
carbster