I got my new engine running yesterday, runs ok, needs major tuning, but it runs...

Okay, on my way home from class today I was stuck in the usual traffic and saw the temp guage rise passed 200*. I had never seen any higher than 200* before with my old combo. The air was on, both fans were on, and I was sitting bumper to bumper. I am not worried, but I am curious as to what you all think.

I think the extra temps are just due to the fact that my timing curve is not set, nor is anything else. Does having an out of tune engine cause higher temps? I figure it could, and I know I am running muy, muy richo!

Let me know...THanks...

 

Base timing is very important. I installed a zz-4 block in mine and was pressed to get it out my friends shop, so I did not do much but get it running. Ran hotter than usual until I did the fine tuning, now it runs at the same temp as the old one with a completly stock cooling system, of course I replaced the rad and everything related to the cooling system.