Safe operating temperature

[forestb]

I have a small block 350 in my 62 and was wondering what the safe operating temperature is in stop and go traffic on surface streets.

[blown240]

Depends on the year of the motor in my opinion. The newer ones seem to be OK running hotter. I had an 86 motor in my 51 that would get up to 215 in traffic and never had an issue.

A little more info on your setup would be nice.

[forestb]

I think it is a 70's motor but I am not sure. It has the dip stick in the drivers side.

[donthekawguy]

Mine never gets over 185 in the summer in stop and go traffic. 72 350, big cam. I have a shroud and 6 blade fan. I also have a dual electric fan set up but have never had to use it. It should be fine up to 220 or so but you might want to find an open stretch if it gets that high.

[LVPhotos]

According to your signature, in California so that means you're sitting in traffic for hours on end that would mean you need to be at 210 to 220 degrees. I run a 185 degree thermostat and 210 is max 4 " away from fan, no shroud 400 block. In traffic at light and 100+ degrees.

[jrobertop88]

My block is an 82 350. I was getting past 215°, with a 3k cfm pull fan, on a 3.layer aluminium radiator, decided to flush out the 50/50, completely. And went with mineral water with the royal purple. Just last summer I sat at 180° with the same set up.