Well i just got the car and i had to drive it today, it was about a 20 minute, 20 mile, trip and the closer i got, the temp kept creepin up. I was driving about 55 MPH the entire way (highway), with only a few intersections. Anyway, by the time i got to where i was going, the temp gauge went up in the red on my digital dash (260*). It was the same thing for my drive home.

What could be wrong?
i checked when i got home and one of my fans turned on at just over 190* so i think that the fans are working just fine. My air deflector is gone, so i think that may be the cause but would just the air deflector cause my car to get that hot?
Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

Hi klez.
You Definitely need the air deflctor, otherwise cool air is not getting to your
Radiator. It woul be wise to have your radiator checked out also. I was having the same problem with my 89 gta, I had the air deflector on, it turned out to be a bad radaitor. I replaced it, the coolant, put a 160 highflow thermostat, and hoses. It never overheated again. Good luck!

 

Yes, the air deflector is paramount to getting proper airflow through the radiator fins since Firebirds of this vintage have no grilles. I would definitely replace the deflector. The engine however should not get that warm, even without a deflector. The beauty of cooling system is that there are only so many things that can go wrong. BUT, do not forget to elliminate the easy things such as a stuck closed thermostat. When your engine has warmed up, if the upper radiator hose isn't very warm or has little pressure, your thermostat could be shot. It's a $10 part, 2 bolts and a gasket. Good luck!

 

well i just got a new air dam and will put it on soon and let everyone know what happens.