Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - SBC operating temp?

What operating temps do most of you run?

What operating temps do most of you run?

My 98 LS1 runs 180 degrees if I'm moving at a decent speed and not running it too hard.

Sitting in traffic though, the gauge easily climbs up to 210, at which point the fans turn on. I think 210 is way too hot, everything gets heatsoaked. When I get my HPP3, I'm going to adjust the fan settings to turn on at 180 degrees.

My 98 LS1 runs 180 degrees if I'm moving at a decent speed and not running it too hard.

Sitting in traffic though, the gauge easily climbs up to 210, at which point the fans turn on. I think 210 is way too hot, everything gets heatsoaked. When I get my HPP3, I'm going to adjust the fan settings to turn on at 180 degrees.

Thanks for the reply. The motor that has temp issues is my SBC. Problem is that the cooling system is not as efficient as in an LS1. Am thinking that running @ 225-230 in a SBC is normal. Can anyone confirm this?

My SBCs never ran that hot. A good thermostat, radiator, and fan will keep it down to 180. 210 would make me nervous.

The 350 in my Datsun never goes over 190 & is usually around 170ish. I am running an aluminum rad from a V-6 Fiero and an electric fan from a Grand am with the quad 4. The water pump is a stock short one ( I did put an aluminum disc on the back of the impeller) Good shrouding is a must. "Water wetter" works well to reduce heat as well.

My SBC never gets hotter than 195 b/c of my e-fans but cruising on the highway it is around 180.

The SBC in my dirt modified runs between 190-210 depending on the temp outside. That is constantly turning 7500 rpm so im sure that that make a difference, LOL!!!

Wow! Those are surprising numbers. Guy @ the custom radiator shop told me that the coolant routing in early SBC's doesn't do a good job cooling the heads. Therefore, 230 degree temps are about right. Further, he said that most of the SBC's he's owned ran in the 230 range & generally used a pressure & temp type of t-stat that would not open unless the coolant was up to temp & around 13 psi. He said the reason GM had a cold or hot gauge & not a gauge that read temp was so that people wouldn't freak out about the operating temp of a SBC. My LS6 runs 190-200, which most consider about right. Would not have thought that an early gen SBC would run near that cool. Thanks for the comments. I'm gonna install a 160 degree stat w/drilled vents & build a better shroud. We'll see how cool I can get her.

MY SBC never gets above 195. I'd cringe at 230! :eek2: Seems the cooling system needs a little work but I'm sure you'll find the missing (or problem) link.

Good luck!

Derek

Yeah I wouldn't listen to that guy at the radiator shop that says 230 about right. I run 185 or so but nothing above 190.

230* is way to hot. the hottest my gpa's 355 ever got was was 210, but it was idleing around a goodguy's event w/ 100* outside temps. any other time it stayed 180-190. i also know this guy that has a 72 1-ton w/ a 350, we haul alot of scrap, usually 13,000 lbs or so (truck, trailer, shit) it never gets over 200* at the most and it is working its ass off.

Thanks for the comments. Have made a better shroud & installed a 160 stat w/ vents added. Will test tomorrow & am expecting much better temps. :)