Bottom line is Im restoring a 73 Nova SS that was setup as a
1/4 mile car.....I have already changed things up from the original config to address cooling.

Current engine specs:
- 454 bored 30 over
- Compression 12:1

- Cam: Intake duration at .006 lift is 300 and intake duration at .050 lift is 240 lift at cam is .330 - lift at valve is .560 - intake centerline at 110 and lobe sep. angle at 112

- 373 rear gear
- MSD ignition

- Holly 850
- Edelbrock intake
- Hooker headers
- 3" Flowmasters

- Griffin 31x19.5 alum radiator (50/50)
- 16" Pusher fan on front of rad. (17cfm)
- Mechanical flexfan pulling (no clutch)
- Replaced thermostat w/160 (also tried just restricted)
- Replaced gauge cluster and sensors
- Water pump pumps great!

PROBLEM:
Car runs fine at speed 190dg at 45mph, 200-205dg at low speeds. And generally climbs up to 210-212 at long stoplights.....
then comes back down again with speed.
HOWEVER,....it does continue to get hotter and hotter at idle....
if I got stuck in traffic I would be in DEEP trouble as the gauge will get to 230 at about 4 minutes of idle...then I shut her off.
I am running 93 octane and an octane booster.

ISSUE: 1ST SHOP that messed with her set the timing waaaay back. (dont ask me why)

NEW race mechanic wants to do following:
1) Set timing where it SHOULD BE
2) Lock out distributer
3) Install 'starter saver' for easy starting with locked timing
4) Fill radiator with water and Water Wetter...no antifreeze (I
am in Florida)

5) I then run 3-5 gallons racing fuel with 11-12 gal 93 octane premium.
Racing fuel has lead,.....he also mentioned that helps with the cooling.

He said the car will then not get increasingly hotter,....it will reach a point...but not continue to climb indefinately.


Any opinions on this situation,......Im not looking for a daily driver out of it.....but jesus...there has to be a reason it just gets hotter and hotter and hotter......and I feel the cooling system is pretty much maxed out...

thanks!