I can't take the heat!, how hot is too hot? Options

[-JR-]

I've got a brand new engine with 96mm bores on a 2.0L crank, the heads have been decked a little and it has a "hot" street cam. It also has dual Dellorto 45's on it.

I have only driven it a 3times but it's becomming apparent that I've got heat issues. I think I still have low or mid grade gas in it.

When she's cold it runs great other then it's a cold engine on carbs. But my oil sump temp gauage is getting up there. It's telling me that the oil temps are reaching 220F which I think is around 110 -->115C f memory serves. Not to mention when it gets that hot it runs like crap-o-la and it feels like I start dropping cylinders.

At some point in the cars history the thermostat bellows was removed and in it's place someone installed a plate to block off 30% of the air flow on one side to direct it into the oil cooler. The drivers side of the motor is wide open into the cowling.

I have made sure that there are no holes in my fan system and have topped up the oil to be 100% full.

I do hear some pre-ignition knock when I put by boot into it as well.


So I'm wondering how much of a difference the higher octane will help? Or if I need to start looking at other things?

Thanks!

-JR-