IROC Wrangler

I just swapped a 92 Firebird TPI305 into my Jeep and it seems to heat up to about 240, then drop to 210, heat up again a couple more cycles then stay around 210. Is this "normal"? I think I have all the air bubbles bled out of it, but could that be causing this? Is this a normal temp range, and I should just get used to it? My YJ gauge shows 240 as being on the high side, and I'd hate to see what it would do on the trail when I'm just idling up stuff..

Thanks!

Matt

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90 Wrangler with Firebird Formula TPI 305, Chevy granny low 4 speed tranny and Scout Dana44 axles.

Grim Reaper

First, I am not sure that your Jeep gauge will read the same as a Firebird gauge. I don't know what the Jeep's resistance requirements for a given temperature comparable to the Firebirds. You might want to see if you can find a Temperature sensor that gives the right readings for your Jeep's guage that will fit in the head. Or look at an aftermarket temperature guage/sensor.

Second, your radiator may not be able to handle the cooling requirements of a V8. Are you using the stock radiator?

Third, is our fan shrouded or is it using an electric fan? Is this happening only in city driving, highway driving or both.

Lastly, when was the last time the thermostat in the V8 changed?

IROC Wrangler

I run a Chevy conversion radiator that is meant for a Chevy 350 (got it from 4Wheel Drive Hardware). I also run an electric fan which may be somewhat of the culprit. It's the biggest one that Autozone carried, but still doesn't cover the whole rad. It has somewhat of a built in shroud, but it's a bit on the cheesy side. So far, the Jeep has not left the garage, so it's just sitting at idle.

I don't have any knowledge on when the thermostat was changed, since I bought the engine used. It sure doesn't look "fun" to change it, though..... that's for sure...

Matt

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90 Wrangler with Firebird Formula TPI 305, Chevy granny low 4 speed tranny and Scout Dana44 axles.

84IROC

The T'stat is not all that difficult to change if you just think about it a little.

Next, be sure that the temp sending unit and guage are matched because the engine should not run that hot at idle.

Lastly, be sure that there is nothing blocking the air flow through the radiator.

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"84Z28/'91 305TPI comp cam flowmaster TB coolant bypass/shutoff valve to heater core MAT relocated Ram-Air(home-made) gutted air-box IROC ground effects/wheels GY245/50's 700R4 superior shift kit/ corvette servo(excellent shift kit BTW) Rebuilt engine and transplanted it myself. Love this engine!
LOW performance people should drive low performance vehicles!

Grim Reaper

Actually, the engine will get hot if it is just idling. When it hits the temperature of the fan switch sensor in the passenger head, the fan should come on and flow enough to cool down engine..until the temperature gets below the cut-off.

So, does your fan come on at all? And if so, what temperature of Fan Switch do you have? The stock unit kicks on around 230*F and kicks out around 210*F. You can get aftermarket switches that will engage the fans switch sooner..provided your thermostat is BELOW the kick-out temperature. A low temperature fan switch with a high temperature thermostat will cause the fan to run continuously, while working against a closed thermostat.

Mo

if my car is sitting it always heats up till the fans come on around 230*, sorry i cant really help you, just had to say that was a tight idea, TPI in a jeep, I want a CJ though

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90 IROC 5.7l (L98)
ram air, K&N's, air foil,Flows

FastBroker

Hey, Iroc Wrangler! I'm a 350'd V-8 Wrangler man myself! We gotta talk. Got a number I can call you at?

IROC Wrangler

e-mail me off-line and I'll give you my number. ManglerYJ@aol.com. I'm a little gunshy about posting my number on the internet... :^)

Matt

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90 Wrangler with Firebird Formula TPI 305, Chevy granny low 4 speed tranny and Scout Dana44 axles.