I know this a bit like how long is a piece of string but......

I have a 74 beetle, was 1300 now 1600, but still with 1300 box (low geared)

I run up and down the freeway each day at 100 to 110. Just fitted a VDO temp sender and gauge (let's not get into an accuracy debate, I've seen that post).

What sort of temp should I expect after a 15 minute run at 100 to 110km/h and how long should it take to come back down at idle?

When I first got the car I posted about the low gearing and high revs at 100km/h. I was advised to get a better stereo so I couldn't hear it revving. I did that and all was well but now have the temp gauge so........

BTW I never changed the carbie jets when moving from 1300 to 1600 and replaced my 009 dissy with a vacuum and mechanical advance Magna unit when the condesor died. Was always a bit concerned that these things could effect temp at speed.

Thanks in advance for the help. It has always been great in the past.

crude but effective in my opinion is the "if you can hold the dip stick test" my 1600tp with 009 and kadrons after a hard run is reasonable hot like say a hot mug of tee, my mates 1916 with 009 and kadrons after a hard run is very hot and would probably burn your fingers after a bit...any help? I'd be keen to see more about your magna dizzy install and if your stressed about fuelling just grab a 34pic3 or 31pic they are cheap...i have a couple in the shed

Did Your 1300 have the doghouse oil cooler??

They are good up to 2000cc....

If not, I would get one, with the wider fan etc conversion...

You would probably have no worries with the current temps but when its 40C You May have overheating problems...
Sorry I couldn't be of much help...
Lee

Could it be running lean because you retained the 1300 jettting? You may need to be getting a bit more fuel in there to cool her down.

Answering a few questions.

The dipstick was a little warmer than the "cup of tea" benchmark suggested on the day I checked. Outside air temp was 36 degrees and had run 15 minutes at 110km/h.

Yes, I do have the dog house cooler. From my enquiries on this site prior to the engine upgrade, I understand my case is identical to a 1600 case.

The magna dissy upgrade has been a good thing so far. I originally read a post somewhere that said they can be made to fit with some filing. I didn't have 6 months to spare so used a grinder and it still took a while. Can be a bit tricky and I would do things a little differently in hindsight. I have recently acquired a digital camera so will post a thread with photos etc one weekend soon.

I don't think it is running too hot at present but was keen to get some idea of what is "too hot" in case the temp ever starts climbing.

Finally, as for the jets. Running the 1600 on the 1300 jets was always going to be a bit lean. It does not seem to have caused a problem to date. Just checking in case someone had any particular experiences that they wanted to share.

you find the time sometime to show me how to modify a magna dizzy and you can have a 34pic3 when ever

Cheers Stephen