For starting, my understanding is that I am dealing with a simple hot start issue. As such, I am replacing the stock starter with a Powermaster higher-torque starter and testing the voltage to the starter, I will also replace the battery cables. I assume that this will help to resolve the hot start issue, If not I can start to investigate the electrical system.
For overheating, I've determined that I cannot adjust the divider plate in my water pump as I have the 67' two plate (pot metal) set up. Pontiac went to one steel plate divider in 68/69 which can be adjusted. I'll probably bypass the heater core given that I do not need heat in CA (as I suspect heater core is clogged up after 50 years). I'll remove the t-stat and drill a small bleeder hole in t-stat to facilitate release of air pockets, check timing and carb mixture (to ensure I am not running lean), measure temps at entry and exit of radiator to measure changes in temps. I'll also replace my after market 19' flex fan with a stock 20" clutch fan which could help.
I am running the original 67' closed chamber heads that are know to contribute to overheating but not worth replacing these with open chamber heads and not worth tackling the water pump and timing chain changes either where 68 and 69 had superior designs.
