Anyone running a 4 core rad on a Buick 350? I just picked one up, should I change the thermastat temp?
I have a 4 core in my GS. I have run both a 160 and a 180. The 160 is a little cool if you drive in cooler weather. I stay with a 180 in my car now.
Cool tips! Ha Ha. I am taking my car on a big road trip so I should be loving the 4 core over the wimpy 2 core.
I've been using a 4 core rad. in mine for years, I wouldnt use anything smaller. The 180 deg. thermostat is perfect. Mine runs 190 on the highway on the hottest days, and around 200 to 210 if I get stuck in traffic on 95 plus degree days, no worrys:grin: I've tried 160 degree stats. but the engine will barely stay at those temps anyway except on the coolest of days, with the 180 stat, the engine temps are much more stable. Mark
NO. The extra capablity is an excellent idea and you should use the temp that the service manual lists. AL
Id vote for the 180* I think stock 4 me is 165 and its super cold blooded. I gotta sit n wait n wait or rip on it for a few blocks to get heat into the block. Car runs good but not cold.
I just bought a new 4 core radiator on eBay... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2479071749 ...it reduced my coolant temp from 210 to 171 on the highway and 178 in town, with a 160 thermostat. I live in a hot climate and I think a 160 works best here, but based on my results, I wonder if a 180 thermostat would keep the car at 180 all the time? Or if cooler is better on these engines? I highly recommend a new 4 core radiator (or an aluminum one) in the sunbelt.. Frank
It is an aluminum custom 4 core made for a 75 monte with buick 455 motor. After he built it he drove it for 10,000 miles then parted it out,so I scored a good deal. I checked and it is a 195 in there now. I was going to get a 180 but the parts store was closed so I just used a new gasket and sealed it back up. It seems to stay around 200 degrees even after extended 80 mph highway driving give or take a bit. What temp would begin to hurt your performance and possibly damage the motor?
The cooler the better but 190-195 is optimal temp. I cringe when I see temps at 200f or higher. I know its some what normal but I don't like it. I rather run a bit cooler than optional temp rather than over it. With a true cold air, no ac rad and a home made air dam I get my V6 Firebird down to 165-170f. I have an electric fan but it never comes on. Only if the car sits still for 3-4 mins will it kick on. It really likes them lower temps though carbon build up can happen easier.
