[wizard]

I know I've been quiet about this for awhile but I have been busy since Dec. New house and then a new beauty shop for the wife, long story on both. Won't bore y'all with the details.

I have made some progress with the cooling issues when I can squeeze in a few minutes here and there.

First let me clarify that MY problems are more at speed (highway) than at idle. Once the temp does get up, it may or may not come back down, more often not. I've been lucky that I have always been able to anticipate and have gotten the car back home by 220 deg. (I really don't know how it would go.) That does or did limit my range of course.

Now I'm holding 200 to 205 but limiting my speeds until I feel I can do better.

Two major steps got me to this point.

1-Removed the thermostat all together (15 deg drop). This contradicts all that I believe about cooling but I think I know why in my case (educated guess). You need some velocity through the radiator for the radiator to work properly. See the Stewart waterpump company website for a better explanation. My West Coast Cobra uses a 7, yes seven core radiator. More tubes = less velocity through individual tubes given the same overall water rate.
Thermostat = restriction = less(slower) water flow. If someone has a better explanation I'm all ears.

2 Header leaks. I discovered that the headers are a poor match to the heads and finding a gasket solution was tough until I discovered Percy's Dead-Soft Aluminm header gaskets. Not only did I close up 6 of 8 existing 180 deg leaks, the car performs better. I also rewrapped the headers as the old wrap was as they say getting old. This exercise was to reduce engine compartment heat and while I don't have any hard numbers, my water temp came down another 5 deg.

I curently have some Prestone Heavy duty flush in the system and need another hour of running before I replace it. Rad has been cleaned out (twice) but this was to help the block(?).

Head gaskets are going to be replaced as soon as I get a snafu with Edelbrock straightened out. Whether this will help remains to be seen but I need to get it behind me if only to give me peace of mine.

I have checked this thread periodically (lurked) over the past 6 month and I appreciate everyones comments. They say persistence can solve most problems so I'll continue to do so.