Cooling question

[Impala Lover]

I have a 1963 Chevy Impala with 327 cid and a 4-speed. Its got a Holley 600cfm carb, Edelebrock performer rpm and camel hump heads along with the stock cooling system. Today I went for a highway cruise and the temp. on the highway doing about 60mph is about 210 degrees. Is that too hot? If it is, is there a electric cooling fan I can install to get the temp down to 190 or so? By the way, its got a 180 t-stat. I really can't afford a aftermarket radiator, so that is out of the question. Would the cooling fans off a newer model car work. Orginial is not that important. Thanks in advance for the help. P.S. The temp really never gets any higher than 220 or 230 in town. I think this is too high.

[bobs409]

Well...GM I believe wouldn't consider 220-230 overheating but it's a tad higher than I would be comfortable with. The reason I mention GM is that the hot light on these cars wouldn't come on until probably 245 or so.

Doesn't sound like the fan is the problem to me. When your going 60 miles per hour, the fan isn't really doing the cooling but rather the air hitting the radiator. I'd suspect the radiator first. It could be blocked up since you said it's original.

Jumping down to a 160 stat will probably get the temps down about 20 degree's. (did on my 409)

Others here will probably have more to offer yet. This is a hot topic! (pun intended) :D :p

[Va348]

The first thing you need to do is feel the Rad. to see if it hot to touch ALL OVER Top to bottom side-side,And that will about tell you if Rad. is good.

What guage do you have and where install on eng. intake or head.If in head it will show a little hotter. Some thing else to watch for if using a Mechanical guage is the tube for it,Make sure it is not close to ex. The tube will also measure heat.

I have gotten to where I recommend Elec. Guage anymore on my oval track stuff.

Do you have a fan shroud If you do have blade in it 1/2 way no more.

No shroud fan 1/2 from Rad.

One other thing if its not blowing water when you cut it off Do not worry about it.

Hope it helps.
Dale

[Impala Lover]

thanks for the help! I really appreciate the responses. I haven't had time yet to look into it further but when I do I will let you know