ryan.h

iTrader: (2)

When I was running an aftermarket computer, I had a problem of coming close to overheating. Or rather "running warm". On a highway drive, I'd run close to 230 degrees.

My spark timing around 40kpa (my guess of "cruise" conditions) were like the below:

15-21 degrees @ 500-2000 rpm
23-26 degrees @ 2500-4500 rpm

Now, it's at:
20-26 degrees @ 400-1400 rpm
29-35 degrees @ 1600-4800 rpm

basically, 6-9 degrees more timing, and the curve is sharper. Now, assuming the fuel didn't change, which it shouldn't have... Could this be the reason why I'm now running 190 on the highway? A full 40 degree drop in temp just by changing the timing a few degrees?

elkabong

I am not sure regarding your specific issue. But in general if the timing is retarded the motor will run hotter.

Duts87ss

iTrader: (10)

After the Goodwrench 350 was installed in my car, it always ran warm on long drives (or even not-so-long drives around town). I replaced the rad. hoses, water pump, and T-stat, but still no dice. I drove it like this for about 3 or 4 yrs. until I started having problems where the engine didnt want run at anything above idle without popping like crazy. I chased that problem until I decided I had spent enough on it and decided to remove the CCC and go "old school". What I noticed after the Eddy carb and vacuum/mech advance HEI were installed was that the engine always ran cool as a cucumber (sometimes seems to run too cool). I later found a way to test the pickup coil in the dist. and turns out it was bad; whether this was the cause of my problem, I will never know.

I'd say timing can play a really big role in engine temps.

I'm now gathering everything to do a TPI swap; so, wish me luck.

Grumpy

Yes.
Normally, it's not that big of change, so I'd be looking at other possibilites, just to make sure something else hasn't been effected.