Engine Temp LA 360

Babyblue66 said

In all my years of driving and working on old mopars, since 1993, the most consistent I've ever had any engine run was when I ran a 195 thermostat. I've never seen one run at 160 when I installed that thermostat , they just wouldn't stay that cool. Normally I run a 180 and out of 3 cars with a 180 they still stay at about 190. So the next one I install will be a 195.

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That's because the thermostat has zero to do with how hot (maximum) temperature an engine runs. There's one exception and that is with a high flow thermostat. They can reduce the engine's maximum temperature by allowing more coolant flow, but the thermostat's opening rating has zero to do with how hot the engine runs. That is a function of "the rest" of the cooling system...mostly the radiator.