Hot Big Block?

[debbiedowner]

Any help would be appreciated… just finished a 10 year project restoring my 74 challenger. We went with a big block 440. The issue that we’re running into is the motor is getting hot. We’re running a Cold C big block radiator and two 12inch fans rated at 2800 cfm total. We have tried a 160 and 180 thermostat. We also tried a mixture of 74 and 77. We know we have good flow but it just seems like the motor is heat soaking, especially on the days when it’s 100 degrees outside. The motor will hang around 180 for a while and then begin to creep towards 195-200. As we drive, it will hold around that 195-200 range. Are we truly running “hot” or is it okay? If it is not okay, what else can we do?

View attachment IMG_7961.jpeg

 

[6PKRTSE]

That is okay, that is about where my red Charger runs temp wise. Never any issues in 37 years and over 254,000 on this car now.

 

[Xcudame]

Put a 195°F thermostat in it. 180°F is definitely the bare minimum thermostat temp I'd ever use. Also, 200°F isn't that hot. With a 16 psi pressure cap, 100% water won't boil until ~250°F. A 50/50 mixture is actually best! Water dissipates heat very well!

 

[6PKRTSE]

Agreed. My newer vehicles all run at 210-215.

 

[Spyder]

Nope, I wouldn't be worried about it at 200.