So I am looking to upgrade my cooling system this winter. Can someone make a recommendation for some parts that wouldnt require too much fabrication...

Currently I am running with stock radiator with dual fan setup. When I sit in traffic even with fans full blast only on the hottest of summer days like 90 and above I notice that needle head north a little too much for my liking.. Now it doesn't totally overheat but I never really tried to let it...


Suggestions appreciated.

 

Have a member on here burn you a chip with a lower turn on temp and use a 190* thermostat. Edelbrock makes an aluminum water pump, I think the stock was metal. If it's the original radiator replace it with a new unit or if you have the spare change you can get an aluminum eagle radiator off eBay. Cowl hoods can help but that's an easy $500 investment once you factory in paint. You can wall of the area between the grill openings and the radiator so the air can only go through the radiator. Also if your coolant is old simply replacing it could help. If it's warm out use the minimal ratio of coolant or use straight water with a corrosion inhibitor.

 

if it aint bubbling, i wouldn't worry about it... people freak out when they see 200 degree temps, but straight water at atmospheric pressure boils at 212 degrees and at 230 or so under 15psi of pressure... antifreeze raises that temp quite a bit based on the concentrations, so as far as that aspect don't worry about it.
i wouldn't load the engine too hard when it's running hot because of detonation, but if you are just putting in traffic don't worry about it.. i actually taped up the grille of my car until i was getting 220 degree running temps on hit summer days a couple of years ago and gained a little fuel economy..

that being said, there are easy ways to keep your engine running cool- more initial ignition advance usually helps a bit. if you are using an underdriven pulley set, get rid of it and put factory pulleys back on. a good alternator and battery will give a stronger spark, which gives a more complete burn, which gives a cooler running engine.. make sure the fins of the radiator and AC condenser are clean and straight so air can flow thru unrestricted.