How hot does your C3 run?
07-14-2005, 11:03 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
How hot does your C3 run?
Mine seems to be running hot after the frame off restoration is complete. I am not sure what it ran before because I never drove it. Today it was about 90 degrees outside, and my car was about 220-230 after a few miles of driving.
07-14-2005, 11:27 PM
#3
Drifting
Member Since: Apr 2005
Location: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER
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Check your guage with an IR thermometer or a manual guage/sender. Mine was running "hot" (220) until I installed a manual guage. Now it runs at 165 ~ 185.
07-15-2005, 12:32 AM
#5
&amp;quot;Rodstoration &am p;quot; In Progres
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Have been averaging 220 - 230 with 383... am installing a 160 degree thermo to see if I can driveit down. Already has a Dewitt and dual SPALs.
07-15-2005, 01:28 AM
#8
Melting Slicks
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160 with 180 thermostat, stock L48. Apparently I have to coolest running C3 ever. I know the gauge is accurate because I have a 190 thermostatic switch on my electric fan and the one time it kicked on (idling for 20 minutes) the gauge read 190.
07-15-2005, 02:23 AM
#9
Burning Brakes
185...all the time. I could be sitting in traffic at 95 degrees in humid weather and it wouldnt over heat. I have a stock 73 L-48 that was converted to a 4 speed, so I have the big automadic radiator...plus I installed the biggest fan clutch ever 
07-15-2005, 05:59 AM
#12
Race Director
Gauge is reading about 180 most all the time. Checked the thermostat housing with an IR gun and I'm at 175 at the 180 gauge reading. Goes up slightly at idle but not much.
07-15-2005, 07:35 AM
#13
Senior Member since 1492
About 180-185 with dual spals & aluminum radiator. 180 thermostat.
Same here and that is with a blown bigblock.
07-15-2005, 09:34 AM
#19
Race Director
Originally Posted by 80TexasC3
Have been averaging 220 - 230 with 383... am installing a 160 degree thermo to see if I can driveit down. Already has a Dewitt and dual SPALs.
I have an all stock setup with a 160 stat.. new rediator and it never gets over 160
07-15-2005, 09:41 AM
#20
Drifting
IS it me are most of the late 70 cars running hot because of the gauges that are used?
It seems to me that these electrical gauges are off 10-15 degrees?
What is this about a replacement mechanical gauge? Does it look factory?
It seems to me that these electrical gauges are off 10-15 degrees?
What is this about a replacement mechanical gauge? Does it look factory?
