cublex

Is it me or do these older car engine put off a lot more heat than the new ones. It makes me concern they are running hot..any input is appreciated

oldcutlass

Based on what, old cars generally run a cooler thermostat than the newer counterparts.

cublex

I was just referring to the heat that was coming from the engine overall...the car isn't running hot or anything it just feels a like a lot of heat coming from the engine compartment

oldcutlass

Do you have a temp gauge hooked up? All engines when warmed up are hot to the touch.

CRUZN 66

From a metallurgical standpoint, the heat difference from an older engine constructed of iron/steel will naturally hold more heat for a longer period of time then current engines which are mostly constructed of aluminum components which dissipate heat at a much faster rate... As stated, from a temperature issue, the thermostat controls the degree of heat whether aluminum or steel...

cublex

Thx make sense

Greaser007

I agree with Cruzn. The 455 is like a living room heater, where as the little aluminum engines are like a hand-warmer

Koda

Also, new engines are less cylinders, smaller displacement, and thinner, as well as aluminum, so the thermal mass is not there. A popular Toyota V6 only weighs some 350 lbs.

SWinner

Check your firewall and floor insulation. My T-Bird has the exhaust running very close to the floor. In the summer it was too hot to drive. There is a product called Lizard Skin. (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/liz-13032/overview/) I sprayed it from the top of the firewall to the back of the floorboard. It makes a big difference in the heat that used to come through the metal.

Good luck,

droldsmorland

Bigger Engine Bigger Heat! Compare a 400/455 intake to most anything today. Its either smaller or plastic. You can have a football game on an Olds intake!

VC455

In a word, yes.

Look at it this way: the fuel economy is a lot worse with older car engines versus newer ones. That means they burn more fuel; burning fuel gives off heat; therefore, older engines give off more heat.

As you realize, the cooling systems of the older cars were made to deal with this extra heat.