Proper Big-Block Running Temp?

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Apr 29, 2013 | 02:54 PM

TarheelBill

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6th Gear

Joined: Apr 2013

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From: Raleigh NC

Proper Big-Block Running Temp?

Gotta '73, 454, with after market aluminum radiator/dual fans. Right now, both fans running full time. Temp gauge lays on 100 (doesn't move at all). Have a tech getting ready to 1) check gauge, and 2) rewire so that one fan runs when car is runiing, second one will kick in when the factory A/C is running. My basic question is what should I expect for the running temp of this 454 once I get the gauge working, and the fans rewired? 180? 210? Thanks for any input...

Apr 29, 2013 | 03:27 PM

diehrd

Safety Car

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From: New York

180 would be ideal but I would say you will be 190 to 210 and set the fans to run off a temp sensor and run them both not one until the A/C is on

Apr 29, 2013 | 05:01 PM

Mike Ward

Race Director

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'Normal', ie. when the car was new, was between the thermostat setting and about 210 or 220.

Apr 29, 2013 | 05:54 PM

dtamustang

Pro

Joined: Nov 2007

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From: hernando fl

my 72 bb with factory a/c runs a very steady 180ish with the a/c off 190ish with it on. i'm running the o/e clutch and fan. had electric on there for a while but did not care for the temp fluctuations.

Apr 29, 2013 | 06:17 PM

flyeri

Drifting

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From: Kernersville NC

Mine runs around 180 on hot or cold days. It will sneak up a few degrees if I run it hard up through the gears, maybe 190, but drops back in less than 1 minute. No a/c with 5 speed.

Edit: Forgot to say Griffith radiator and stock fan

Last edited by flyeri; Apr 29, 2013 at 10:01 PM.

Apr 29, 2013 | 09:29 PM

Super6

Burning Brakes

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Quote:

Originally Posted by flyeri

Mine runs around 180 on hot or cold days. It will sneak up a few degrees if I run it hard up through the gears, maybe 190, but drops back in less than 1 minute. No a/c with 5 speed.

This is my experience also with aluminum radiator in Florida. Around 180F. Goes up after a long light, but as soon as the car is moving the temps drop immediately. Running stock fan.

Apr 29, 2013 | 11:01 PM

garygnu

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2012

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From: coon rapids mn

make sure to bleed all the air out of your cooling system .I use a thermostat housing with a radiator cap on it ,it is the highest point of my cooling system.

Apr 30, 2013 | 10:58 PM

LS4 PILOT

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2009

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my Ls4 generally runs 180 to 195 depending on ambient temps and how hard I have my foot in the gas.

the 73 and 74 cars 454/AC. cars had a extra spoiler extension under the nose to scoop up addition air. see the AIM

This addition as well as using all the foam seals to force the air through the radiator will help

my 454 engine temp runs every bit as cool as the same 74 350 I owned back in 1979. , both stock cooling systems.