My temp has been an issue for as long as I can remember. Recent engine tuning has helped a bunch but Im not quite satisfied the temp will stay down on a hot day. I have a 76 donor car with a good shroud on it that I dont need for my 72 project so I thought I would put it in my convertble. The 76 has a 250, the convertible has a 200. I know there are differences so I did some checking. Looked like the upper water outlet is 3 inches closer to center than the one on the 250. All the mounting holes and size were the same. The radiator in the 76 was beat so I had mine modified to match. Got the radiator back today, fresh paint on the radiator and shroud and dropped it in. I should mention that I installed a 6 blade fan last year and it seems to be the same size as the one on the 250. Got everything losely bolted up and checked for clearence. DOH!!!!! The 200 in shorter than the 250 in height so the fan sits too low in the shroud. I believe I can lower it and it will work. Thats the project for tomorrow.
Finished modifying the shroud today. I lowered it about an inch and a half. Drilled new top holes in the radiator, new lower holes in the shroud. Had to recut relief for the bar that runs across the middle of the radiator. Also had to cut relief for the lower radiator hose. I started it and checked for clearance, reved the engine under the hood and blew my hat off! Test drive was great. Outside temp was 73, warm enough to cause issues at high speeds. New 180 degree thermostat was perfect. Did 75 on the highway and it never topped 180. Runs about 172 at stop lights and lower speeds. I didnt even need the bottle of water wetter I bought. Its going in the trunk, never know about the Texas heat in July! Also ordered a caution fan decal.
