Update!
Ok, so I installed a dual electric fan setup. It seems to help especially when stopped at a light. Also, ran out most the gas and topped up with 91. Was actually amazed at how good my mileage is. Big, heavy car and I like to put my foot in it, but it should mostly be 91 now.
It's 105 out, to be fair, and my test runs, short drives mostly have all been a success. Running 180 tops. Some knocking still when hot and pulling uphill, but it's a big car. Whoever it was here that convinced me to buy the aluminum Holley was the best advice ever!
Of note: had a trans intercooler on it, took it off when I put in the fans, and it was getting too hot, causing trans leaks and I had to put the intercooler back on, and now it is not right against my aluminum radiator. It goes (from inside out) radiator, fans, intercooler. Makes it hard to pop the hood now, unless you know how to do it (hafta get on the ground to reach it and would burn your fingers on the intercooler if it was hot) ... so despite this battery thief deterent, I am thinking about putting in a more modern pull cable fom under the dash. I could wire it through the choke cable hole as I have an electric choke now, any ideas?)
Also, anyone use Water Weter or other coolant additives?
ETA: It's a full sized 65 Mercury, so it would be similar to a Galaxie or Mustang as far as the hood release latch goes.
