I have a carbed formula 350 and when I received the car there wasn't a thermostat. I still have yet to put one in. The guy who had it before me rigged the fan so it comes on as soon as you turn on the ignition. And it stays on while car is on. I replaced my radiator and I am still getting these same temps. On highway cruising speed I may get around 190-200. City it's back to 210-220. I have a 180 degree thermo, should I put it in? Am I overheating?

Also. Shortly after I ran my car I took off my thermostat housing and some water rushed out but I also noticed the water was just sitting there? I suppose as it cools down it lowers but is this normal? Also I don't get any bubbling from the overflow.

So am I good? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

put the thermostat in there. it regulates how fast the water runs thru the radiator so it cools properly

 

Yep, what one92rs said. You need at least a restricter in there but preferably a thermostat.

Mark.

 

Also that plastic piece that goes on the bottom of the car (don't know the name), I don't have that. It forces the air up into the radiator? Am I kicking myself real nicely not having that?

Thanks for the replies.

 

the piece your are referring to is the air dam and yes it a vital part of the cooling process

 

yes the air dam is ver important on the firebirds and trans ams because they dont have any opening in the nose like the camaros do for air flow...this alone will help esp highway driving...210 is normal and even 220 at idle in traffic...225-230 is where i would start to worry

 

Thanks for the swift replies guys. I will be going to the JY today and see if I can grab one. Will also throw the thermostat in and will let you guys know the results. Thanks!

 

camaros still need it. if you have fogs that opening is dismal, and if you have the "venitian blind" style grille its also pretty much non existent

 

You guys weren't kidding.

Got the air dam for $3 bucks at the local JY. Never sees above 180 on a normal day cruising.

I have yet to put a thermostat in but to be honest I'm very satisfied with what the air dam has done.

Thanks!!


(Pulled the air dam from a IROC-Z btw)

 

Yeap! Get an Air Dam!!!

 

trying to get one myself...I can find the deflector easy but the side pieces are a nightmare...

even modern muscle only lists one side....it's crazy how much trouble I'm having finding all three pieces for a base model 89 Bird...yikes...

anybody help me find all three pieces????

 

180 with out a thermostat is a little hot. Are you sure the cooling system is staying pressureized?