thought i would chime in. changed my thermostat during my SU swap. and i have driven my Z during this extreme heat wave to really test it and it still stayed around 160. i was happy with that. don't know anything about my stock radiator.

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Mike Tubiak
1978 Datsun 280Z - HLS30-438694

I don’t know how many row I have.. but I’ve been driving for two days it starts below the white line . In the middle of the days when its hotter it goes on the white line.. I think I’m good she is driving smooth.. the white line on the gauge is 160 or 185

185 is half way.

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Mike Tubiak
1978 Datsun 280Z - HLS30-438694

The white is not in the middle its a little to the left . So the line could be 170 ?

well each 1/4 is 12.5 degrees.

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Mike Tubiak
1978 Datsun 280Z - HLS30-438694

ok thank you

Due to the inaccuracy of the gauge, I would check with a thermometer off the hoses just to see where your gauge is really at. it's not that there that far off, but just good to double check, but I think you are OK.

Right ~ these gauges are far from being scientifically precise (especially that oil pressure gauge! ). They just give you a close approximation of measures.

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1970 240Z

With an ACURATE temp. gage, shouldn't any engine run better around 180 degrees to maintain recommended clearances ? Do Zs need larger radiators ?

Irv

My Z ran fine for about 10 years with the original stock 2-row aluminum core radiator, then it simply deteriorated one hot Carolina summer day. They seem to be good for about 10 years.

I happened to pull off the hiway into the parking lot of a radiator repair place (am I blessed or WHAT?). They promised me my car would never overheat again for life if they installed a 4-row copper core.

That was about 1978/79 and that same radiator is still in my car today. I can't make it overheat no matter how I try.

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1970 240Z