Blocking Radiator ???

[DesertMK4]

Is there some confusion here? Many Cobra gauges, in order to be more "classic" are set up in Centigrade. So 100C=212F. A 70C engine temp is a little low, but not as an opening point for a thermostat. A 70C oil temp is also a little low assuming you have fully warmed up and the ambient temp is above 35C. A sandwich thermostat on the oil cooler can help here. Raising the engine thermostat rating will tend to raise the opening temp, and tend to keep the engine temp higher overall. Using the thermostat to set a specific point in operating temp is a lot of bother when the range of cold (70C) to very hot (110C) is 40C.
Gauge watching is one reason most production temps are centered weighted at the mid point of the "good range" for the car. The motion may also be damped at the center (as BMW does).
If you are racing it makes a big difference. If you commute a lot, oil temp can make a big difference in avoiding cold oil sludge problems.
Otherwise...relax and drive like you stole it.

[Karl Bebout]

Ratti-Dan,

"I would rather see her at 180* but 160 beats the hell out of 220 or 230"

True Dat. I finally wound up buying 6 gallons of Evans Waterless Coolant so I could quit worring about high temperatures. Maybe whoever winds up with my old Rat Motor will be able to figure it out.

Unless you are running some sort of fuel injection or needing to squeeze every last pony(like if you're trying to beat a Chevy), I wouldn't worry.

[DWRAT]

Tested out a 6" Lucite lower radiator block tonight and it did pretty good.
On the freeway with FAN OFF it ran 80 oil and 80 water.
In the city playing a bit and with the FAN ON it ran 90 oil and 80 water.
I will use the block for long cool road trips, it slips on and off in about 30 seconds.

[Car Nut]

Oil temp still too low.

[DWRAT]

Originally Posted by Car Nut

Oil temp still too low.

Bruce, how could I raise my oil temp?
I don't have a oil cooler.

[Car Nut]

Originally Posted by DWRAT

Bruce, how could I raise my oil temp?
I don't have a oil cooler.

Even with a cooler with a thermostatic adapter (which won't help if the oil temp is too cool to begin with), I don't know without raising your coolant temperature.

[mln385]

Originally Posted by DWRAT

Bruce, how could I raise my oil temp?
I don't have a oil cooler.

Have you checked the location of your oil sending unit? If it is not in direct contact(immersed) in the oil your temp reading will be off and not accurate.

Mine from the builder was off and was reading quite low as it wasn't in contact with the oil, fixed this and temp went up to proper operating temps.