Hi all - I just got a 71 cutlass daily driver with a rebuilt 350 in it. Bottom half honed, rebuilt stock. Mild Edelbrock #3712 cam, lifters, #3711 intake & #1406 600cfm carb. I trust the shop who rebuilt the motor from what I hear about them, but it seems to run a bit hot to me. What temp should this run at at idle? at 70 on highway? I know all cars will be a bit different - I am just looking for a general idea.

This has brand new 3 row, not sure of thermostat - but at idle, or in heavy traffic - it runs steady at 200 on new autogauge meter. I was stuck in massive bumper to bumper traffic a week ago for almost 3 hours and it never moved off 200. At 70 on highway - it runs at about 205. Isn't this a bit high?

Could the thermostat be too high a temp unit, and getting a lower temp one would help it cool better? Will a 4 row make a big difference? Electric fans better?

Thanks to anyone who may respond - I do appreciatte it.

 

Those temps aren't excessive. Keep in mind that at 15 psi, the boiling point of water is over 250 deg F.

 

It is where the '71 cooling system was designed to work.

If you replace your original stat with a 180, it should lower your temps to about 180° at the expense of defeating your emissions system.

Norm