Aluminum radiator with 2-1" wide rows of tubes. 4 tubes works nearly as well. 160-170-180 stat depending on street-street/strip. Most mild hp built Pontiac's run best at 185-195*. Drill 2-1/8th holes in stat. Have all the core sppt baffles. Shroud with 19" clutch or flex fan(make sure its at least 1/3 to 1/2 way into shroud. Not all the way in or out or it wont pull thru radiator well. Plug coolant bypass to x-over from tmg cvr. Remove r/r htr hose fttg and plug head. Plug heater inlet nipple at tmg cvr. For racing, run a hose under intake from both back heads up to x-over. Use a big HD(small tube) aux cooler in front of rad for trany(ALL CARS).
From your original post i would suspect timing. Especially with a aftrmrkt cam. I have found most are ground 2-4* advanced/retarded depending on profile. Have a Crower RAIV w/87cc E-heads in mine. Set it up to RAIV specs, and could only get 12.40's(110 mph) with temps creeping to 210-220 between rounds(180 stat). Other guys are dip'n down to 11.80's/12.10's(112-113 mph) w/nearly the same set up with alittle more c.r and rear gear. Decided the heck with initial idle tmg, and set it to 38* @ 3500 rpm(disconnected vacuum can). Idled alittle ruffer, but temp stayed @ 190-195. BAM! Ran a 12.20 @ 112 mph. Further testing showed it wanted 42-44* initial @ idle, but didnt chance it cause it was 87 octane.
So play with tmg and jetting some more after your sure the cooling system is correct. Check your plugs after a high rpm run as soon as possible. Dont let it idle long. They should be a light tan color. White is to lean and will make it run hotter. Black is to rich.
