I have a Contemporary 482ci FE with the Fluidyne radiator ‘laid back’ position
I run a 180 degree thermostat with a 1/8” drilled top bleed hole.
I use pre-mixed Prestone coolant
It has an Edelbrock aluminium water pump with a thermo fan switch in the lower hose (as per ERA recommended) 87degree on-77degree off
I have an
oil cooler but the engine ran too cool so blanked it off, stayed blanked off all summer and no overheating. You’d remove the blanking plate if going on the track.
I have the dual pusher fans but have never used or needed them
The puller fan is a SPAL #30102049A 16” 2185 cfm . No shroud other than the top infill piece to the hood aperture.
All good in heavy traffic at 90 degree plus weather
The Holley 800 DP has a Edelbrock #12410 5/16” insulator base gasket, no room for anything thicker. It helps