V8 Guys? Overheating issues- Ordered Renegades complete radiator setup, Also considering an LS1 swap down the road Options

[JRust]

So my buick 215 is getting to hot. I wasn't sure how accurate my gage was. On my way home from Parts obsolete swap meet on sunday it was in the mid 90's. My engine temp got up to 230 but seemed to be doing okay. Then it started cutting out on me. I pulled over to let it cool a it. After a good half hour I drove the rest of the way home. Engine temps were still close to 230 though. I have an old school setup I think.

My question is what radiator setup are you using? Also what engine temps are usual for you? Just trying to see which way to go. I'd like to make it better without forking out another grand for renegades new setup right now. Suggestions please!

[Andyrew]

Errr.. ouch...

I hate to say it, but your best option is to change to a proven setup like Rennegade's.

That setup is not the best way to go about it. When the air temps are at 100 deg the cement in bumper to bumper will be like 120 or so and the radiator is pulling from that extreme heat situation. You also dont have optimum flow at speeds either as the air will take the least difficult way around.

Best advice I can give is to do a system flush, check for lean running of carbs, check spark plug gaps and timing, move your fill tank higher, and save your pennies.


You should also switch to a puller fan VS a pusher fan so that the physical fan does not block the airflow either. Maybe run a small pusher as a backup for bumper to bumper. Also add a can of Water Wetter by redline, dont run antifreeze (its less efficient than pure water), and run a higher pressure cap(19lbs?). Oh and change your oil to a synthetic with a good filter (mobil 1 is good)

What does the front look like? May need to add some kind of air grabber to force the air under the car..

Less stress you put on the engine the smoother and cooler it will run.... Ask Jake Raby...


Good luck!