Question...what is the normal running temp for a 1972 340

BINGO..... Moving to fast thru the radiator. ie not enough time for heat transfer.

So many times this gets over looked... Just like running no thermostat.

" The coolest i could get is a "185 so i didn't use any" How many times have we heard that. Bad move.

I agree with this ....... only I had the same problem before changing water pump.