I have never checked my vehicles for the difference in hose temps ,but now I am curious since I have gun I will check if I don't forget. 10 degress don't sound like much ,but I could be wrong.
Ok,,,,, for what it's worth I did a little searching on another board . Guy with a bbc temp at thermostat at 185. 90 degree at bottom hose with dual fans running on a 70 degree day. Of course outside air will affect the outcome.
Flushed the rad. out and got a new thermostat still the same ,called around and could be $90 up to $250 depending on what they find. Are there any good alum. ones to use for that price, I did notice a couple spots have been repaired maybe I need another one.
Auto City Classics has a factory looking aluminum radiator at good price. We've used both Champion and Auto City Classic aluminum radiators, both work equally well in front of a w engine.
I bought a 2 row aluminum radiator for my '62 409 from Auto City Classics. Painted it an egg shell black. Motor runs all day at 180-185 at 90 plus degrees out. Very pleased with it. All welded. Good price. I think it might even be the 2nd one I bought from them. When I first got my car, it had what I believe was the original radiator for a small block Chevy. I knew I was going with the 409 and wanted more cooling capacity. For a change, good move on my part, Carmine.
Put in new 3 core rad. and adjusted timming 55*total with vacuum adv. , vacuum plugged it is 40* still runs at 205* with 85 octane gas. Did notice vac. can is a 15* adv. MY C-10 has a 64 327 that is my "hot rod" a tad bigger cam and 461 heads and a 180* never gets over 190*. Would higher octane gas be better or a 160* thermostat be the ticket GOD I don't like it That HOT. Talked to a builder and he said to run a mr gasket 180* thermostat
Check your harmonic balancer.Make sure that the outer ring hasn't slipped.Your right that the total and rate of advance is "king",but something isn't right here.Most W engines top out at 34-35 degrees ,and that's on 91-93 octane.Are running primarily in high altitude?
Seems like I'm getting a little closer re-timed and a new Mr. Gasket thermostat and it seems to keep it cooler,but really haven't got to try it out on a hot day. Last time I messed with it, it was up to 190 around town but never had a good test . Didn't the SBC come with a 5 blade fan and the BBC have 7 blades I did manage to find a 7 blade fan in my stash, I am currently running a 5