By: Mike Pritchard
I was having similar issues with the small block 350 in my '69 Camaro and finally came to the conclusion that my issue was insufficient airflow across the radiator due to the AC condenser (car was originally non-AC). I am running a 3" core Griffin radiator with dual Permacool fans and shroud combo. The water pump is a Tuffstuff aluminum unit with high-flow 180 deg thermostat.
You need to make sure all the air that passes through the grill opening goes through the radiator by installing baffles similiar to what comes on late models or the air will simply flow around the rad instead of through it. Air will always take the path of least resistance.
By: James Leverton
In reply to <a href="https://www.onallcylinders.com/2022/10/19/ask-away-with-jeff-smith-cooling-down-a-big-block-chevy-occasionally-running-over-220-degrees-f/#comment-316876">AL BETTERLEY</a>.
your fix is a good one. You know the system and how to reduce low speed / low rpm heat. However, it's not a "fix" per se. The block doesn't contain enough metal to dissipate the heat. so how do ya add metal to a block? I don't know...so all one can do is reduce ignition heat. I comment because I was impressed by the knowledge brought to bear on the problem, and as an "engineering" student, learned a few things.
By: gary a vaughan
Thanks .....I Will wander off abit ,but I think that we all should get MORE versed in self help when it comes to our machines (hot rods), because SOMETIMES hired help is NOT worth it ,as a backup,is a point that could be included in here somewhere ......Just found a garage close by and although I do my own work,I still am not confident in alignments...as I had a hell of a time getting the pitman arm off to change out the steering gear box for a Borgenson unit and had ruined my said(alignment )... Then too I was concerned that if I was away somewhere and the family had car issues ,a safety net would be the answer ...While there I asked the guy to check my ignition timing ...Came back to get the car (c3 corvette),and they had set my timing to 8 degrees from the 14 degrees that I had on it,slacked out my steering box settings,(wandering steering ,retarded inputs) ,of course car ran terrible ...Got home reset everything put vacuum back to where it was supposed to be ...
By: AL BETTERLEY
Jeff had same problem in my 650 hp 461 BBc, especially idling in traficc,, had a new recored 4 row BB rad still would not keep cool, so added eletic fan to help in traffic,, did a bit but not fully!!! so i read up on newer alum rads with wider cores etc,,, put in a new 3/4 inch 2 row SBC aluminum rad!!! Problem cured,, wont go above 195 on hot days now even in traffic!!1 im also running a full plastic light weight fan pulls air very well,,, roundy round guys use them !!! never need my auxillary fan any more!!!