[BiggDogg]

hey guys...had to set up new acct. I have a 69 convt with a 350 bored 30 over, approx 1k on motor. 4bbl carb, big 4 core radiator, all shrouds and the nose plates properly installed, new clutch fan, gardner dual exhaust.

My baby has always run hot as most pontiacs do. When she consistantly ran 200 2 yrs ago i tried "water wetter" ass sugg by the local speed shop. flushed out whole system (as I do every year at local radiator guy) and replaced with water and this water wetter only. My operating temp went down to 180 and stayed there all summer here in NJ. Since then I have nearly completed my clone (with a huge influx of cash from family!) and she is runnin wayyy hot.

changes since 2 yrs ago:
opened up snorkels on the fiberglass T/A hood
opened up fender holes where extractors are
removed flex fan (obnoxiously loud)

I am again runnin water wetter, and she will sit and idle in the hot sun or around town below 180. She gets hot only on the thruway when I go above say 55. the temp has shot as far as 225. I cant go back to the flex fan..too loud...this T/A clone is so beautiful Im hoping one of you guys has an answer short of replacing the exhaust system to open her up.

[BiggDogg]

hey guys...had to set up new acct. I have a 69 convt with a 350 bored 30 over, approx 1k on motor. 4bbl carb, big 4 core radiator, all shrouds and the nose plates properly installed, new clutch fan, gardner dual exhaust.

My baby has always run hot as most pontiacs do. When she consistantly ran 200 2 yrs ago i tried "water wetter" ass sugg by the local speed shop. flushed out whole system (as I do every year at local radiator guy) and replaced with water and this water wetter only. My operating temp went down to 180 and stayed there all summer here in NJ. Since then I have nearly completed my clone (with a huge influx of cash from family!) and she is runnin wayyy hot.

changes since 2 yrs ago:
opened up snorkels on the fiberglass T/A hood
opened up fender holes where extractors are
removed flex fan (obnoxiously loud)

I am again runnin water wetter, and she will sit and idle in the hot sun or around town below 180. She gets hot only on the thruway when I go above say 55. the temp has shot as far as 225. I cant go back to the flex fan..too loud...this T/A clone is so beautiful Im hoping one of you guys has an answer short of replacing the exhaust system to open her up.

[455firebird1969]

Check the thread in heating and cooling on "impeller clearance" in your water pump housing.

http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...11&m=958104692

Do you have a baffle pan installed? It attaches to the front valance panel. It will force cooling air that enters the grill area through the radiator, vice under it. I put one on my car and it really made a big difference. I had to put a thermostate back in to get the running temps up to normal.

[BiggDogg]

wow....what a great string! thx

yes i do have the plates installed, helped alot!

[455firebird1969]

When you say plates it leads me to believe you are talking about the upper sheetmetal parts. The baffle pan is bolted to the lower valance panel (splash panel). The 400 cars had to have the baffle panel in order to cool properly, the lower powered firebirds did not have the baffle panels from the factory. The baffle panel is a must have part for proper cooling of a hi performance engine. The factory baffle panel's were stamped sheet metal with a lip that resembles a spoiler for strength and looks...

[Robby D]

If all else fails, call Rodney Red. Mine was doing exactly what yours is doing. 220 and up at highway speeds. The RR radiator droped me to 180 and never higher even on 95 degree days.

[fire1969]

I don't understand where or what this baffle pan is. I had a cool running 69 fird with a 350 and took it out for a 400. The 400 always ran hot on the hiway. I had the 4 core radiator taken out and a Rodney Red radiator put in. This helped for 5 or 10 degree but it still would get up into the 210/215/220 mark. Just to hot for cruising down the hiway. I tried rejetting the carb. Tried a different carb but couldn't stop the heat. Seams I'm to accept the temp of the motor. But I'd sure like to understand what this baffle pan is?? Can you send a PIC?
Thanks,

[455firebird1969]

Sure can, here ya go...

[Schoust]

69 Clone could you do me a HUGE faver??I have a 69 Bird and am putting a 462 engine in and would like to use a factory clutch type fan,I know my fixed fan mesures 19 inches.How big is your clutch fan?Did it fit in your stock shroud or did you have to go to an aftermarket one???
Thanks Ralph

[fire1969]

Thank you 455, that helps me understand. I do not have that baffle pan. What's the best way to find one, or do I have it made?

[455firebird1969]

I bought mine from year one about 5 years ago, it is a fiberglass reproduction. Plus I added the air dam (spoiler) option. I saw one in the wrecking yard a week ago. I can go back to the wrecking yard and see what they want for it, but you would have to ship it half way across the country... See if Performance Years sells it?

[fire1969]

I will check them out.. Thanks for the info.

[WallyB]

I couldn't find the the Air Dam in PY, so I bought it from NPD.
7833 AIR DAM, Front ValanceAir dams provide the air flow needed to help the air flowthrough the cooling fan setup. Mounts on the bottom of the car, behind the ground effects.69 400 or w/AC. Die cut plastic repro will work on all 67-69 Firebirds provided the car is equipped with the lower baffle pan originally mounted on 400 or AC cars. 67-68 Firebird must mount on the 69 baffle pan. .................C-7833-223A 28.95