I have a 427 bbc with an over heating problem. should i replace the 50/50 coolant with only distilled water ? if not what should i do ? i have 160 degrees thermostat and i cant seem to lower the temperature of the water. i fixed the timing, i have aluminium radiator with 3 electrical fans.

 

When do u overheat? driving on highway or city? Do you bleed the system? Do you have air dam? All 3 fans working correct?

 

i over heat while driving and on idle ... i did bleed the system and yes the fans are working properly ... i have a feeling that my gauge and/or sensor is defective

 

i think its a combination of timing and the 160 stat your using. The stat is too cold and opening too soon and not letting it cool. sometimes the cold stats doesnt mean a cooler engine

 

Antifreeze and water will cool an engine better than straight water...Also you could try water wetter. I found it dropped my temps in my 360 Dart Swinger by nearly 20*.

 

The less antifreeze you use the better it will drop temps. Strait water works better than a 50/50 mix.
Coolant just lubes the system seals and keeps things from freezing in winter.

You can use strait distilled water and water wetter with great results but only in summer.

 

Need to know much more about engine to know what it will take to fix your problem. BBC was a tight fit I'm sure. Lot of things to consider with the rat stuffed in there. Heat soak from tight quarters has a big effect on everything, stuff you wouldn't even think of.