V8 Guys? Overheating issues- Ordered Renegades complete radiator setup, Also considering an LS1 swap down the road Options

[JRust]

So my buick 215 is getting to hot. I wasn't sure how accurate my gage was. On my way home from Parts obsolete swap meet on sunday it was in the mid 90's. My engine temp got up to 230 but seemed to be doing okay. Then it started cutting out on me. I pulled over to let it cool a it. After a good half hour I drove the rest of the way home. Engine temps were still close to 230 though. I have an old school setup I think.

My question is what radiator setup are you using? Also what engine temps are usual for you? Just trying to see which way to go. I'd like to make it better without forking out another grand for renegades new setup right now. Suggestions please!

[wbergtho]

When you build a V-8 car, one of the most critical components is the radiator. Although I know Renegade's radiator is a cool thou...I've heard it is quite good. I had a 3 core dual pass custom Fluidyne in my car for about 4 years until it gave up the ghost and started leaking (maybe stress from racing). I really liked that radiator because it kept my motor at 175 degrees on the run and no more than 185-190 in rush hour traffic on a 95 degree humid summer day! I couldn't get Fluidyne to make me another one because they quit making custom radiators so I had Howe Racing make me a 2 core dual pass radiator. It keeps the engine at 178 degrees on the run and 185-195 in rush hour traffic (hot day). My suggestion is to spend whatever money is necessary due to the fact that the radiator is such a key component on a water cooled 914. You have over 20' of hoses and a water pump that was never designed to throw water that far. If you have a weak sister radiator...you will curse yourself a thousand times! A thousand times for every dollar you didn't spend on the proper set up. If you want to fabricate your own fan set up and mounting set up as I did, You can save a few hundred dollars by having a reputable place make you a custom radiator to fit perfectly between your headlight buckets. PM me for more details and good luck with your car! Kudos for building a car with a light weight all aluminum V-8!!!

Bill