Why does my 1991 Firebird overheat?

[klondike b]

It's a 350 which likes to get hot but it gets hot way to fast. I was told that the bumper is causing this, by the previous owner. The bumper blocks some of the air flow as it was designed for the v6 bird I think. Does that really matter? I don't wanna buy a new bumper if I don't need one. I think it's just the radiator considering it is almost 20 years old.

http://www.stevkan.com/89firebirdsered.jpg

^ that is the bumper that I have f.y.i.

 

[infoman6617]

looks like a problem is no air flow thru that front end..... you got to have air flow man......and you will not get any with that

 

[Dan]

If it gets hot FAST, then I might say it is your thermostat being stuck shut. That is not hard to replace and it is cheap. Drain your radiator. Look for the metal housing where the upper radiator house connects. Unbolt it, replace the thermostat and gasket. Replace with new antifreeze.

 

[Goatman]

You need to make sure the lower air dam is in place under the bumper there should be a black air dam that deflects air into the radiator , unfortunatly the are constantly getting ripped off by driveways and curbs once they are gone the air will not flow into the radiator correctly ...
if it is gone replace it ..
if it is there check the radiator and thermostat...