can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

Hey guys,

I've got some sort of an over heat problem. My car runs at about 195 degrees in traffic, and thats when I drive and shift at a very low rpm to try and create as little heat as possible.

I've got a 4 core radiator, a 180 thermostate, dual electric fans, stock water pump and the car runs at like 195 degrees.. Could most of the heat be because of my headers? I have equal length 1 5/8ths headers, I was told that the short headers are better and create less heat.

I've been told that if I wrap my headers that it'll hold down the heat significantly, but will possibly hurt the headers at the weld spots or simple just burn em out. Should I change the headers and IS this the reason for my heat problem???

Any suggestions or advise would help out alot... I mean seriously I'm shifting at like 2000 rpm and driving around town in 4th at 40 pmh at like 1800 rpm...I don't even wanna imagine what'll happen if I push on the gas alittle in hot weather.....

Thanks alot guys!

Benjamin

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

I dont think its just your headers, might be cuz your running too rich or lean. Try to burp the system.

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

My 87 is doing the same thing, I just changed the thermostat and flushed the cooling system and it is still hanging out at like 195 degrees.

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

Mine cruises at 200, but I still got stock radiator and fan. Never thought of it a problem.

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

Definitely burp it good, it actually took me about an hour for it to fill completely.

Also, the tstat temp is when it begins to open not necessarily what temp your car will run.

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

195 is the low range of "ideal"
If the coolant gets much colder (below 180F) you will start to see increased engine wear.

If the temps are steady in this range I would not worry about purging the system again. Air in the system tends to sky rocket the coolant temp to the 220F and higher.
Have you done any work on the cooling system lately to cause air pocket concerns?

How are you checking the temp?
Stock gauges are known for being innaccurate.

The headers don't make heat, that occurs in the combustion chamber. I can't see how the length of pipe would affect how the heat dissipates.
I have heard that header wrap would damage headers as well. I put it on my MAC 351w swap shorty headers anyway. 12,000 street miles with no problems.
This may be a concern from the "old days" of racing?

The major advantage of the header wrap is that it keeps the exhaust gasses hot, which promotes higher exhaust flow velocities.

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

ive got headers but a 160 thermastat so my car never reads hotter than 180....except for when i was doing donuts and blew my back tires off my car read 225

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

192 is the ideal operating tempature. hence the reason we had 195 thermostat from the factory. if you stay below that you will run lean.

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

really cause im running rich haha

RE: can runs 195 in traffic, headers too hot???
 

sry doubled