I have a 68 RS. My car seems to idle rough and at excellerations its rough running almost dying on me at extended stops in traffic. I recently moved from Seattle to Alabama where the temps are 90-110 in the summer. Ive noticed that my engine when I open the hood seems really hot (I dont have a temp guage on it) but I think thats the problem. I still have the stock radiator on it. I plan on changing the thermastat but I just put a new one in in Jan when I had my engine rebuilt. Water pump is brand new also. I checked my carb adjust and I am running a little rich but I know that it helps. My temp warning light doesnt come on but Im not sure if it works...
I am planning on buying a new radiator but am considering a couple and want some advice on which one to get.
The Be Cool radiator looks like a good one to get but the price for the custom fit is $500 bones. I wanted to know if anyone has purchased the Be Cool universal fit one ($269) and how was the install?
Also Griffen makes a custom fit ($460) but they also have a universal for $200. My question is is installing a universal that big of a modifacation or should I stick with the custom fit? Or is there a comparable one out there thats more bang for your buck?? Am I also heading in the right direction for this fix??

Any help is much apprecaited!!

I'm also interested to hear an answer for your radiator question - I'm using a stock 3 core for my 383 - just can't justify the $500 bucks.

I'd check for vacuum leaks too. carb base gasket, rubber lines, the trans vacuum modulator (if an automatic), etc. I once had a power brake booster with a bad check valve (that black thingy you hook your hose to) that was leaking.

Just a couple ideas.

First, get a temperature gauge on it, and have a shop shoot the thermostat housing with an I.R. gun so you know what the real temp is compared to the gauge. Check your timing - if it's retarded, it'll run hotter at idle. Whatever you do with the radiator, get one that will work with your stock shroud, fan, and clutch, like a 3-core factory radiator will. Most of the "universal fit" radiators won't accept the factory shroud, then you have to use all the "band-aid" garbage to try and cool it, and they don't work either. If you're going to drive in a hot climate, you want a reliable cooling system you don't have to watch every minute.

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JohnZ
'69 Z28 Fathom Green