Chevrolet: Cooling System, radiator shop, clutch fan

Question
I have a 97 Camaro Convertible with only 25,000 miles (I'm not home much because of my job.) It was bought four years ago with 17,000 and I've never changed the coolant.  My engine temp. seemed to be running a little higher than what I thought normal...about 235.  I took it into PepBoys and had the system flushed, new coolant put in and a new thermostat put on.  Driving home from PepBoys my car OVERHEATED (check gauges light came on and engine lagged)...it may have gotten hot before but it never overheated.  I took it back in the next morning and was told I needed a new radiator.  Since they wanted too much money, I took to a radiator shop and was told they did not bleed the air (there was an air pocket) and I did NOT need a new radiator.  My question is...what should the temp be when it is at idle and when it is running?  Is 235 normal?  I do not have an owner's manual.  Also, I should say I live in the desert and it has been 110+ lately.  Thanks,  Patti

Answer
Hi Patti
 OK well I think that you running at 235 is fine as 240 is around the norm , if you live in the desert , it might run hotter , and if you start to run hot often have the thermastadt re-moved for the summer time , it will be fine w/o it in that area and it should run a lot cooler, also a good clutch fan is nice but I think you have one now, but a new flex fan would do wonders if you start running too hot ok. and in that heat you should be sure to change that oil and filter apx. every 2000 miles to be safe. and check your radiator often and add coolent not just water or a can of special coolant to add to it would not hurt. and if you ever started to run hot try to put the heater on full for a min or two and that will also take the temp. down a bit. but I would take out the thermastadt in that area soon and keep it out-- again it will hurt nothing. ok
good luck to you