I like my classic vehicles to operate around 190 degrees. Higher might be okay but I worry about heat soak, fuel percolation and vapor lock.
Acceptable engine temp
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moparx
Well-Known Member
I personally like to see at LEAST a temperature of 185-195, regardless if going down the road or sitting in traffic.
I also do not mind seeing 200-220 sitting in traffic on a high ambient temperature day.
My Charger has an aluminum 26", two core [1 1/2" tubes] radiator, using a 16 pound coolant recovery cap, [two gaskets] overflow/recovery tank, clutch fan that is almost worn out, no shroud, and a 185 degree thermostat.
It runs [in my opinion] too cool, at 170-180 on the factory rallye gauge cluster, with a confirmed [?] temperature of 190 degrees using a Hobo Fright temperature gun.
The reason I like to see higher temperatures is, these will boil off any moisture and acids inside the engine and oil, thus keeping the engine much cleaner inside than running it much cooler. This has been visually confirmed by me personally observing many engine tear downs over the last 50+ years, and seeing the higher operating engines much cleaner internally than the engines running too cold, which have a tendency to create sludge, varnish, and other nasty things, resulting in increased bearing, ring, piston, crank and cam wear.
this is just my personal life experience with higher engine temperatures.
Your mileage will vary.
I also do not mind seeing 200-220 sitting in traffic on a high ambient temperature day.
My Charger has an aluminum 26", two core [1 1/2" tubes] radiator, using a 16 pound coolant recovery cap, [two gaskets] overflow/recovery tank, clutch fan that is almost worn out, no shroud, and a 185 degree thermostat.
It runs [in my opinion] too cool, at 170-180 on the factory rallye gauge cluster, with a confirmed [?] temperature of 190 degrees using a Hobo Fright temperature gun.
The reason I like to see higher temperatures is, these will boil off any moisture and acids inside the engine and oil, thus keeping the engine much cleaner inside than running it much cooler. This has been visually confirmed by me personally observing many engine tear downs over the last 50+ years, and seeing the higher operating engines much cleaner internally than the engines running too cold, which have a tendency to create sludge, varnish, and other nasty things, resulting in increased bearing, ring, piston, crank and cam wear.
this is just my personal life experience with higher engine temperatures.
Your mileage will vary.
moparx
Well-Known Member
Be my guest ! 
cap67
Member
For what it's worth, I Wish my 67 383 belvedere ran that! I was running 230-240, with water wetter, 7 blade clutch fan, shroud, 16# cap, hv w.p., distilled water&coolant. W/3 row radiator. + spring in lower hose. & yes I tried everything else to fix it. Off road since 2004.
hemifiedbird
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A 22” 2 row radiator will accept a 3rd row, same tanks. This gives you more cooling capacity, Also install a 160 degree thermostat. Unless you plan on running your car in the winter, 190 degree is not required.
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Yeah, the radiator stuff is important but more importantly, you have a really effective parking brake to leave the car like this:
