Hey all so its finally feeling like summer here in the Central Valley of CA. Were touching triple digits for the first time today this year, and yesterday was about the same temp and both today and yesterday i noticed my car was running warmer than usual. Cars now my DD again and its 99% in town driving but modesto isnt a real "city" so its pretty cruising city driving.(as in you dont hit a damn red light every 2minutes, its usually a red every 5 mins lol). And i look down and my temp gauge is 2 notches under 220. It got up to this temperature rather quickly (about 10-15mins of city driving) Now usually with my fan/thermostat setup it stays in between 3-4 notches under 220, BUT THAT WAS IN MODERATE CONIDITIONS (85F at most). The warmest it got was basically right on top of 220F and luckily i was able to get to my destination and kill the motor. I know most of you wouldnt say that 220F is overheating or "too warm" but to me im just not used to it. Im guessing i know what it is, but i wanted to see what you guys have to say? My car's story;

305 TBI originally, swapped for 350TBI. 180F thermostat, 185F Fan Kick on temp, 170F off. Recent Coolant flush. Ok ok heres the final variable of my cars equation; NO AIR DAM. About 2-1/2 years ago, i ripped my air dam off my car because i thought it was a scrape guard or something of that matter, when i pulled it off it was october/november so it was already cooling down here. After i pulled it off, i actually got another car and my firebird didnt get driven for about 2 years. Fast forward to today and its the first hot season im attempting to run the car with out an Air dam. I THINK its my missing air dam causing the higher running temp.... but i thought air dam only helped with freeway/high speeds? (keep note that my city isnt 'true' city driving) I already ordered a new air dam from Hawks & got my tracking info this morning, but now im scared its not my air dam......

Any info or advice is greatly appreciated

 

Summer in the Central Valley is more like Hades.

But yes, put the air deflector back on.

 

"but i thought air dam only helped with freeway/high speeds?"

Any speed faster than zero will deflect air to the radiator to help cool. Put the air dam on.

 

LOL! Yupp! you already know

thanks guys thats what i figured