Ok... I've been through it. I'm all good now. I was easily hitting 230 - highway or red lights... on 70+ F days.
Here were my factors and/or actions. (I know the right mechanical fan is best - but I didn't know it before and was squeamish after having my clutch fan penetrate all 3 cores of my radiator... so I have an aluminum rad and dual electric fans... high flow..was still getting some hot temps)
- Timing - Vanes behind water pump (replaced; corroded/holes/rusty) - Went from 68 style pump & timing cover to 69 style (higher flow) - Keeping mixture at 50% coolant or below - Rigid bottom hose (non-reinforced radiator return hose was collapsing and sealing off!) - Lower baffle (had the X upper baffles, added lower baffle behind camaro spoiler) - 165 degree t-stat
The above items helped, but never gave a home-run. I even changed gauges, just in case. Mech checked with IR temp reader.... hot hot.
The home run actually came from having Ken Keefer rebuild my engine. I haven't touched 210 since, and spend a lot of time at 180.
1968 Firebird 400 Convertible Original: Engine, Intake manifold, Heads, Body, Stereo, 3.08. THM400. Engine rebuilt by Ken Keefer early 2012. New: Holley 4bbl 670 HP, hidden iPod setup, RobbMC mini starter, A/C, front disc brakes
