Topic: 390 operating temp

[V8_bloke_28]

Hi,
What's the normal operating temp for my 67 390 auto fback mustang with ac and ps?
The car seems to get to between 195 and 200. (Australian summer)
I have a new water pump, 180 thermostat and new 3 core radiator with clutch fan.
I'd like it to run closer to 180 if possible. Am I chasing my own tail?
Cheers

[Bob Gaines]

Hi,
What's the normal operating temp for my 67 390 auto fback mustang with ac and ps?
The car seems to get to between 195 and 200. (Australian summer)
I have a new water pump, 180 thermostat and new 3 core radiator with clutch fan.
I'd like it to run closer to 180 if possible. Am I chasing my own tail?
Cheers

A BB if even bored 30 over will many times overheat  not to mention sludge or scale build up in water jackets . Try a 160 degree high flow thermostat like a mr gasket etc.  Here is a link to a example . http://www.jegs.com/i/Milodon/697/16400/10002/-1   The flow will help dissipate the heat . The auto parts store variety are not high flow. Don't be fooled it will not stay at 160 in the summer but may keep it down to 190 or a little below. This is one of the things that many of us have used for decades for  over heating symptoms. It may not be a solution but it should help. Remember 99.99 %  of all  67-70 390 /428 used the small thermostat . Yours should too if you have the correct thermostat and unless produced prior to Dec 67  in that case it gets the larger type.