Hi Andy,
The truth is that it could be a number of things or all compounded together, if you look at the thread "AC Frua repaired floors, sills and inner wings" we used massive amount of "Dynomat" insulation over the floors under the carpets. Also, ceramic aircraft insulation was sandwiched between the floors and the new aluminum panels we made. The firewall was insulated as well. All the cold air ducking inside the fenders was heavily insulated too. My car being a later model has all the cold air ducking running inside the fenders instead of under the hood, it makes it easier to insulate. A new aluminum cowling was installed under the radiator modeled after the one in Jeffrey’s car, mine was missing. Also the manual transmission runs a lot cooler than the automatic and the gap between the transmission and the tunnel is also wider. Without doing the modifications in steps one at the time and trying the car each time, it’s difficult to assess what made the most “Bang for the Buck”! The Spoiler is definitely responsible for lowering engine temperature and probably under hood temperature as well. Also the whole new 2 ½” exhaust system was ceramic coated. The car has taken a whole new personality, with my previous suspension modifications, it feels light and fast like a Cobra, yet it is quiet and cool inside and with proper weather protection. Despite the 2.88 rear end, it still feels short geared; you are going 100 MPH in no time. It’s a lot of fun.
Regards,
Emmanuel
PS, I just bought an original 68 427 side oiler block, It will be built as a 460 cube, with a not too crazy hydraulic cam, It will completely look stock on the outside. I think I might have to install Halibrands with that type of muscle.
I had a 3/4" front anti-sway bar installed, the complete hardware came from Kirkham, brackets and all, What an improvement, it now drives like a modern car! turns flat and is much more stable in a straight line as well. I have been driving around with an outboard motor gas tank, so this weekend the tank goes back in! Emmanuel