Did (does) the factory 1969 Dodge Daytona overheat or was this just a rumor?

[Dibbons]

The front grill opening of the '69 Dodge Daytona looks very narrow and I am sure does not flow much air to the radiator. Is it true they tend to overheat?

 

[Pmike1978]

Very true unfortunately! Overheating is why my bird is a non matching #'s car! Unless your running freeway speeds they don't get much clean air. Mom drove ours into the city a lot back in the day and she overheated one too may times and the block got warped. A couple ways around it though a nice big aluminum radiator from BeCool and some electric fans should cool the old big block down wich is the route I'll be taking in mine but some purists would frown on this option as it's not factory but oh well such is life! Or maybe just adding some electric fans in place of the old clutch fans might help! But yes these cars did tend to overheat but they also weren't designed for everyday driving (certainly not meant for cruising under a comfortable 150 mph lol!)

 

[1969daytona]

I had issues with my Daytona when I first got it... I got rid of the antifreeze concentration and replaced it with distilled water and Water Wetter. I haven't had any issues since... I also installed a pusher fan in front of the radiator under the latch tray. To be honest, last time I drove it with the 440 is was ok. I haven't driven it in a while with the new 426 Hemi I've installed. Still working out other issues, but as soon as I do, I'll report it...

 

[Cranky]

Straight water is usually the coolest but you need a rust inhibitor and a water pump lubricant for long term use. Water Wetter has both IIRC. Years before I ever heard of that product, I just ran the inhibitor/lubricant and it did good. Just got to keep it in mind that you don't have any antifreeze in it when it gets cold. I would try straight water (with pump lube) for a bit to make sure your system is working well. If it still over heats that way, you need to repair it or do an upgrade before spending the money on the WW because you will usually just be wasting your money if the system needs attention.

 

[super-bee_ski]

I can not see how straight water...is cooler than a coolant
But, again, the mysteries of thermal dynamics can befuddle the average guy.

Water boils at 212
Anti-freeze has a higher boil point.
BUT: We want to question the capability of the fluid to absorb heat, pull it through the system and into the radiator for cooling.

 

[rscurtis]

Many of us should be running NPG in these cars. Boils at 370* at zero pressure. No worries about electrolysis or corrosion, either. I use it in my old Mercedes, it works great. www.evanscooling.com.

 

[Dibbons]

MY 318 Barracuda was running hot after a rebuild. Checked the antifreeze concentration and found it was almost 100%. Lowered it to a 33% concentrate and it seemed to cool off. I never heard the Evans solution, but the question about miracle cures is always: Why isn't everyone using it if it is so good?

 

[cryplydog]

I live in northern Missouri and every 440 car I had and the others my frends had all ran hot and when you stuck your foot in it they really got hot. but I guess that was back in THE DAY of black top roads and no straight highways like today. I remember trying to tune to cool them down with little luck. BUT my son and I put an aluminum radiator in our 64 dodge race/hotrod car with a 440/4sp and this car makes serious power but now stays cool all the time even when we run the piss out of it. sometimes I wonder if its running to cool.

 

[62MAX]

Has never seen over 195* under any conditions in the 33 + yrs I've owned it,factory everything !

 

[Histoy]

Our Hemi Daytona tribute has a Glenray radiator with a Max Cool core. The coolant is 50% anti freeze and 50% distilled water with 2 bottles of water wetter. It runs 170 degrees on the highway and 180 degrees in town traffic.

 

[odcics2]

Knew folks back in the day with a Daytona - NO ISSUES. They even pulled a boat with it.

I think if you have an issue, there may be a problem someplace....

My Bird never had an issue either, back in the 80s.

 

[Cranky]

Maybe I should have said that straight water removes heat better than antifreeze.....or that it's more efficient at removing heat than antifreeze

 

[WileE]

I can not see how straight water...is cooler than a coolant
But, again, the mysteries of thermal dynamics can befuddle the average guy.

Water boils at 212

.. at normal atmospheric pressure. The pressure ( per the cap) in the system is increased, therefore increasing straight water boiling point, above the 212. H20 has superior thermal conductivity which enables it to transfer heat better.

 

[A383Wing]

don't ferget that there are 2 more openings under the nose besides the main grille opening.....

 

[odcics2]

Race Daytonas had a similar screen under the nose to keep the Fords from clogging the radiator!

:headbang: