Cooling issues

[J-440]

Was idling the car for awhile and the temp crept up to 200. It's a 440 aluminum head, 3000cfm pusher fan, 3 core aluminum radiator with 160 degree t-stat. The car also has no hood. Should the temp be that high and should I remove the t-stat? Timing might be a little off as I'm tuning the car via FAST XFI which is a whole other story. Thanks again.

[J-440]

Got ahead of myself and wasn't thinking. T-stat was stuck. Was told that a 190-210 degree stat was used in most PT cars. What do ya'll run?

[72BBSwinger]

185 is what I run, but a BB would me fine with a 190 too.

[J-440]

Thanks again for the quick response. Much appreciated.

[H2Ogbodies]

Set fan up as a puller instead if room allows.

[J-440]

I know pusher fans are less efficient but Shelby had 2 of them on his AC Cobras and Lotus puts them on their cars also. Maybe space was an issue but if these car companies did it then they can't be all that bad.

[another69]

Just changing from a pusher to a shrouded puller in my car made a huge change. If you have the room you may want to consider it. Also if you run a water stat (you should) make sure it is lower temp than your fan stat. I personally run a 160 water stat and I have my electric fan set to turn on at 185. The water stat keeps the motor from running too cool, while the fan stat keeps it from overheating.

[J-440]

Been reading on t-stats and it seems there's a 50/50 split between them. Some motors don't use them at all and then I hear from all the pro-touring crowd that a 190 or higher is required. As far as the fans, I have enough space for a puller if necessary. But once again, how hot did those AC 427 Cobras get back in the day? Also, Factory Five is re-popping those same Cobras with duel pusher fans.

[another69]

They likely did it / do it due to lack of space for a puller. I see no reason NOT to run a tstat on a street driven car. It keeps your motor from running too cool in cold weather and gets it up to temp quicker. If you drive your car often use one.

[H2Ogbodies]

People get really wrapped up in radiator builds, Griffin this, RD that, etc. blah blah but the most important aspect with regards to eliminating heat from the coolant has to do with the ability to pull large amounts of air and do it at low speeds. High speed isn't an issue but low speed cruising is. Then, once you realize how important a stout fan is, the next question is who makes the best? Here is the tradeoff-how much room do you have? I always go for a shrouded puller design and I prefer OEM fans over aftermarket every time. Aftermarket fans may work in some applications but in no way last as long as a stout OEM GM or Motorcraft fan assembly. I can't believe in 2015 that there still isn't an aftermarket fan company that makes single or dual fan assemblies with dual speed windings-seems if aftermarket fans are so stout they should offer OEM style configurations.