what temp is ok

[sound5262]

running down the highway the tempature gets up to 200-205. i make sure i don't get caught in still traffic too long. i have aluminum heads with the factory radiator. what do ya'll think, should i switch to a aluminum radiator like i was told by the mechanic? steve

[tan top]

 if it were me i would want to see 180 to 195  , 180 being best 

[BBKNARF]

My understanding higher performance motor's make more heat, I had the same problem but I was running a little hotter like 195-230 I changed to a good quality aluminum rad with dual 12" fans now I can cruise more comfortably and it stays under 195*

[TylerCharger69]

I'd say 195 is optimum temperature....

[elacruze]

running down the highway the tempature gets up to 200-205. i make sure i don't get caught in still traffic too long. i have aluminum heads with the factory radiator. what do ya'll think, should i switch to a aluminum radiator like i was told by the mechanic? steve

What's your Compression/initial-total timing?

Radiators are expensive, I'd look into the timing first. Too much timing can cause detonation and heat. Too little can cause a lot of heat in the exhaust ports which shows up in the coolant. Compression over 11:1 may cause heat you just have to tolerate.

For me, if I never saw over 205*, I'd never give it a thought if my plugs never showed any evidence of detonation.