Wow, thanks guys - lots of questions to address, and lots of things to try. First to address some of the questions -
-Compression ratio is 11:1
-Carbs are set us properly and timing is spot on within builders recommendations
-Distributor is Duraspark, custom curved with vacuum advance - all set up properly
-Fan is running well, doesn't sound labored at all, running off a relay with wire size exceeding Spal recommendations
-All the timing, distributor curve and carb setup is as spec'd by Blair Patrick, the builder of the engine. Once installed everything was brought up to the exact spec he outlined. Blair built the carbs (Holley BC/BD) and set the jets, power valves, etc using air fuel equipment on the dyno, then of course everything was further tuned once installed in the car. Plugs look good after install. I'm fairly confident it's not a tuning issue.
-
Oil is old school dyno
oil for now, as engine isn't fully broken in yet and Blair doesn't want
synthetic in it yet. Once broken in it'll get
synthetic, for now it's VR1 straight 30W as per Blair's recommendation.
-Waterpump is a standard Edelbrock aluminum FE pump with standard size FE pulleys.
-Shroud is fully fitted and covers the entire back of the radiator
Questions I have -
-Does water wetter really work or is it a scam? How much do I put in? I've never used it.
-Thermostat a must, it'll go in. 160 or 180 degree and why? On or three holes drilled in top for bleed?
-Is there a specific brand/part number thermostat I should be looking for or just a universal one in the right temp range?
-How hot do you begin to start to worry about too hot? Cast iron BBM block and aluminum BBM heads. BBM tunnel wedge intake. Dual Holley carbs. Forged CP pistons, Total Seal rings, forged Crower rods, forged crank - Not sure what other information is needed or relevent here.
-I definitely need a more stout fan. It would be great if I could fit the Taurus or Turbo T'Bird fan back there but there's no room for it. I guess I'll try the Flex a Lite that Bill and Speedbrake mentioned or look into the Delta Pag that Ed mentioned unless someone has a better option. Available space is the limiting factor here.
-Bill, what's the difference between water wetter and Motor Max?
Hopefully I didn't miss anything. Right now I thinkn I'll attack in steps, easiest first. Put in the proper thermostat depending on what yoiu guys recommend, and add the water wetter or Motor Max. See how that goes. If it's still hot, I'll go to a better fan next. Hopefully that'll do the trick.