Keeping her cool

[bobcowan]

You need either a thermostat, or a restriction plate. If you leave those out, the water moves too quickly through the system and doesn't transfer heat. The water temperature will look good, but the heads will overheat. And that's a bad thing.

If your fuel mixture is too lean, or the timing is incorrect, it will run hot.

[fixed66]

Thanks everyone, looks like the consensus is to re install the thermostat. Really appreciate the insight and guidance. I like the idea of a larger valve to increase water flow to allow engine to cool, but I don’t want to worry about waiting for the engine to warm up correctly before driving it. Thanks again. Love this forum.

[fixed66]

Thanks everyone, looks like the consensus is to re install the thermostat. Really appreciate the insight and guidance. I like the idea of a larger valve to increase water flow to allow engine to cool, but I don’t want to worry about waiting for the engine to warm up correctly before driving it. Thanks again. Love this forum.

[Tommy]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

You need either a thermostat, or a restriction plate. If you leave those out, the water moves too quickly through the system and doesn't transfer heat. The water temperature will look good, but the heads will overheat. And that's a bad thing.

This is a very common opinion, but incorrect based on my understanding of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Here is a more authoritative source: Flow Kooler

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by Tommy

This is a very common opinion, but incorrect based on my understanding of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. Here is a more authoritative source: Flow Kooler

That's a pretty interesting article. I know it works, because I've tried it. Detonation without the restriction. Smoother running and no detonation with it. But It looks like I didn't really understand why it worked.

[scootter]

I have a 514 in my Superformance. Mine runs cool all the time no matter the outside temps. It use to get a bit hotter. I found out the factory fan sensor in the radiator is a 195. To high. I replaced the radiator fan sensor to a 165, a 165 high flow thermostat. I did recently replace the radiator since mine is an 2002 with 55k miles. I had 5 or 6 tubes leaking. The radiator shop would not repair the aluminum radiator, so I had to order another one from Superformance $$$$$. It looks like the new one has one or 2 more rows!!
Scott

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by scootter

I have a 514 in my Superformance. Mine runs cool all the time no matter the outside temps. It use to get a bit hotter. I found out the factory fan sensor in the radiator is a 195. To high. I replaced the radiator fan sensor to a 165, a 165 high flow thermostat. I did recently replace the radiator since mine is an 2002 with 55k miles. I had 5 or 6 tubes leaking. The radiator shop would not repair the aluminum radiator, so I had to order another one from Superformance $$$$$. It looks like the new one has one or 2 more rows!!
Scott

What are your oil temperatures with the 165°F thermostat?

[scootter]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

What are your oil temperatures with the 165°F thermostat?

Honestly I don't pay much attention to that one... I mainly look at the oil pressure, water temp and fuel gauge.
I would say in the 90 to 100 range. My oil cooler is not hooked up.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by scootter

Honestly I don't pay much attention to that one... I mainly look at the oil pressure, water temp and fuel gauge.
I would say in the 90 to 100 range. My oil cooler is not hooked up.

"90 to 100 range"? I trust that's °C, meaning 194-212°F. That's okay, though not great.

Regardless, I believe a 165°F thermostat means your engine runs too cool. While that may be better for power, it increases engine wear - though most of us will never drive our cars enough that such wear becomes a significant factor.

Operating temperature vs power and longevity: HOTRODSRJ’s COOLING TIPS Operating temperature vs power and longevity!