Hey guys, I could use some knowledge. Well, trying to figure out how to set up my cooling system. Seeing as how I live in Miami with 80+ degree weather year round, cooling is very important.
Right now my Cutlass has the V6 stock radiator and reservoir (old dirty and full of crap), my lower hose is leaking as well, and the fan is one of those metal flex fans which are pretty much just for looks which the previous owner put on. Shroud is pretty beat up, cut, and missing the lower portion I believe.
Well, I'd like to keep it simple and reliable. Just ordered a new Champion aluminum 2 row radiator, and a good V8 fan shroud (upper and lower), now I want to set up the fan. I was thinking plastic OE style with a thermal clutch. Now my ac was deleted, but still has the old condenser (which I plan on removing when I put in the radiator). Thing is I didn't know which fan and clutch I should order. I never know what to tell the people at the auto parts store when they want a year and model for parts. Since I want something that fits a gbody but has a 350 V8. Should I start telling them like '88 Caprice or something?
Besides that I wanted to ask what hoses I should order as I've seen different styles for the 350 as well. I know I'll have to cut to fit, which is fine. Just want to make sure I get the right molding. And what thermostat do you guys recommend I run. I was thinking 180* but curious as to why 165* wouldn't be a good idea. Would that be too low of an operating temp for the 350sbc? Also, should I go ahead and replace my waterpump at the same time, or is it normally good until it craps out? Would an electric waterpump be a bad idea? Thank in advance for any replies.
Right now my Cutlass has the V6 stock radiator and reservoir (old dirty and full of crap), my lower hose is leaking as well, and the fan is one of those metal flex fans which are pretty much just for looks which the previous owner put on. Shroud is pretty beat up, cut, and missing the lower portion I believe.
Well, I'd like to keep it simple and reliable. Just ordered a new Champion aluminum 2 row radiator, and a good V8 fan shroud (upper and lower), now I want to set up the fan. I was thinking plastic OE style with a thermal clutch. Now my ac was deleted, but still has the old condenser (which I plan on removing when I put in the radiator). Thing is I didn't know which fan and clutch I should order. I never know what to tell the people at the auto parts store when they want a year and model for parts. Since I want something that fits a gbody but has a 350 V8. Should I start telling them like '88 Caprice or something?
Besides that I wanted to ask what hoses I should order as I've seen different styles for the 350 as well. I know I'll have to cut to fit, which is fine. Just want to make sure I get the right molding. And what thermostat do you guys recommend I run. I was thinking 180* but curious as to why 165* wouldn't be a good idea. Would that be too low of an operating temp for the 350sbc? Also, should I go ahead and replace my waterpump at the same time, or is it normally good until it craps out? Would an electric waterpump be a bad idea? Thank in advance for any replies.
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