running hot or not

[68 cam]

hi guys i have a 68 camaro 383 sb about 620hp real tuff motor i think she is running to hot it sits between 195 to 200 f im running au twin fans 4 core bb camaro radiator and bmw blue coolent 195 therostat and 20 pound radiator cap and its got a catch can fitted to any help with this would be very helpfull thanks guys ps Happy new year to all to

[blackoutsteve]

Replace the 20lb cap with the correct 15lb cap. Think of the radiator cap as a safety fuse.. You really don't want 16-20lbs or water pressure rupturing your heater core or blowing hoses.
Newer cars that use 20lb caps are designed for higher pressures with different materials. Alum heater & radiator cores are stronger. Camaros have copper cores as one example..

195-200°F is not hot. It's perfect. :)
If you had a regular temp gauge, that would be right in the middle of C & H.
There is a temp switch that is fitted to the cylinder head of all these GM V8 engines and it lights the "TEMP" light on the dash. Those OE switches switch the light on at 242-254°F. That is hot and in the red zone.

http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?A=ECHTS6607_0185968799&An=599001+101969+50012+2012008

Also, most OE thermostats are 195°F. A thermostat sets the minimum operating temperature.
Have a look in your service manual. A 195°F thermostat is the original temp thermostat that these engines were fitted with. (1969 is page 6K-3). :)

[68 cam]

Thank you I will try that

[chevval]

hey terry, I'm running a ponty 455 with not as much HP as yours, I probably use the same radiator with a 15lb cap and 160 standard thermostat, new factory shroud and clutch fan and temp ranges in our humid weather range from 175-200f around town and highway use. I know the characteristics of the engines are different but I thought you would interested from another perspective, ie setup and components. After changing back to OE specs I havent regreted the move thanks to steves advice!!!! ;)