Cooling a Big Block
Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 526
Likes: 118
From: San Diego
I had a 66 427/390 hp that would tend to get hot--I think the design of the car along with a BB stuffed in the bay lends itself to overheating. I hear the 396s were even worse. Electric fans are a good idea as others have suggested; my mechanic installed them on my 66 after my Palm Springs trip--yeah, it was freakin hot. Anyway, the 66 is sold and now looking for a 62--never had overheating issues with a 327 (yet).
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 818
Likes: 70
From: Lancaster Ohio
I took the car out for a nice drive. The car stayed cool at about 180 or so highway driving and about 190 driving in the city. After pulling in the garage my IR gun said about 200 so the sending unit is close. I think I am going to leave everything alone for now.
Joey
Joey
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 201
Likes: 48
From: Detroit
You alresdy answeered your own question, 190* in the summer and 210* in 60* weather, find yourself a big block radiator now or you will be in the summer. Its not going to be worth the hassle this summer. You might be fine on the highway at low rpm and that is a big "might be". I seriously doubt it and you'll fry your motor in stop in go traffic.
