SBC operating temp?
Originally Posted by LS1-450
What operating temps do most of you run?
Sitting in traffic though, the gauge easily climbs up to 210, at which point the fans turn on. I think 210 is way too hot, everything gets heatsoaked. When I get my HPP3, I'm going to adjust the fan settings to turn on at 180 degrees.
Originally Posted by Domestic Demon
My 98 LS1 runs 180 degrees if I'm moving at a decent speed and not running it too hard.
Sitting in traffic though, the gauge easily climbs up to 210, at which point the fans turn on. I think 210 is way too hot, everything gets heatsoaked. When I get my HPP3, I'm going to adjust the fan settings to turn on at 180 degrees.
Sitting in traffic though, the gauge easily climbs up to 210, at which point the fans turn on. I think 210 is way too hot, everything gets heatsoaked. When I get my HPP3, I'm going to adjust the fan settings to turn on at 180 degrees.
Teching In
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From: Calgary Canada
The 350 in my Datsun never goes over 190 & is usually around 170ish. I am running an aluminum rad from a V-6 Fiero and an electric fan from a Grand am with the quad 4. The water pump is a stock short one ( I did put an aluminum disc on the back of the impeller) Good shrouding is a must. "Water wetter" works well to reduce heat as well.
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Wow! Those are surprising numbers. Guy @ the custom radiator shop told me that the coolant routing in early SBC's doesn't do a good job cooling the heads. Therefore, 230 degree temps are about right. Further, he said that most of the SBC's he's owned ran in the 230 range & generally used a pressure & temp type of t-stat that would not open unless the coolant was up to temp & around 13 psi. He said the reason GM had a cold or hot gauge & not a gauge that read temp was so that people wouldn't freak out about the operating temp of a SBC. My LS6 runs 190-200, which most consider about right. Would not have thought that an early gen SBC would run near that cool. Thanks for the comments. I'm gonna install a 160 degree stat w/drilled vents & build a better shroud. We'll see how cool I can get her.
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7 Second Club
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From: Gainesville, Florida # of drag strips runs: ?!?!?
MY SBC never gets above 195. I'd cringe at 230! 
Seems the cooling system needs a little work but I'm sure you'll find the missing (or problem) link.
Good luck!
Derek
Seems the cooling system needs a little work but I'm sure you'll find the missing (or problem) link.Good luck!
Derek
Teching In
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230* is way to hot. the hottest my gpa's 355 ever got was was 210, but it was idleing around a goodguy's event w/ 100* outside temps. any other time it stayed 180-190. i also know this guy that has a 72 1-ton w/ a 350, we haul alot of scrap, usually 13,000 lbs or so (truck, trailer, ****) it never gets over 200* at the most and it is working its *** off.
