283 engine overheating

[Tim Bauer]

New to the site, new to rebuilding engines. Picked up a nova w/ a 283. engine jumps up to 190, then 200 temps. Pulled the thermostat, replaced electric fan( too small) w/ a flexi. still running hot. Q- what should be the ideal temp? Is an eletric fan set up better? thanks for the help

[WRENCHD]

after the engine gets to about 180 or so ,see if you can see the coolant moving in the radiator,check the rad hoses to see if they are sucked up flat.(has to have spring in the bottom hose) have the rad checked for flow and cleaned if needed. check to see if the fan blade is the right one and not running (backwards) and pushing instead of pulling.check the timming to see if your not to far (advanced)
dave