<VV> engine temp crossing the desert

[ScottyGrover at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/21/2008 7:10:44 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
shortle556 at earthlink.net writes:

Hey  All,
I am getting my 1963 Rampside 95HP,3.55, powerglide ready  to drive to 
Ventura next month (about 850 miles). I am most concerned with  going thru the 
desert. My cylinder head temp gauge sits just over 350 while  driving. I am running 
the Otto Parts oil pan and valve covers and Clarks  finned trans pan with the 
stock FC trans cooler.I also have the 12 plate  engine oil cooler with both 
side covers.
Should I drive with  lower shrouds removed? Should I drive in the middle of 
the night? Anybody have  any suggestions on what I can do to make this trip a 
success?
As always, I  thank you all.
Timothy Shortle in Durango  Colorado



First, may I ask what your route is going to be? If you are going through  
the Four Corners to Flagstaff, then stay on I-40, then I-15, then California 210 
 to I-210; I-210 turns into California 134, then US-101, which would lead you 
 into Ventura.  You would be driving on the High Desert, which is cooler  
than the desert further south. The heat shouldn't bother you until you get to  
Needles, AZ and go across the California border and through Barstow, then over  
Cajon Pass. After that, it's warm, but reasonable all the way to Ventura, 
where,  of course, you're on the beach. You would also miss downtown L.A. but go 
through  the suburbs.
 
Scotty from Hollyweird



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