Great site!! Learned many things , many years of experienced individuals. Thanks

I have a 66 satellite with a 1977 440 block, 727,running 3:9.1 742 suregrip rear member. My question is what is the correct operating temp for this application? I know the factory was 180°f t-stat. The engine builder installed a 160°f. The block is .30 over, steel crank , Kieth black pistons, chrome molly rings. 284-284/484-484 MP performance cam and lifters. Stock valve train!346 heads correct springs/ clearances etc.Milodon water pump, correct MP clutch fan assembly and factory shroud,edelbrock performer dual plan intake and 750 carb.1-7/8 super comp headers,2.5 exhaust. Block was flushed etc, the car had a 3 core 26" rad. Thought the rad was good but last year which was the first year out after the restoration the car ran around 190 to max 210 in traffic hot Ohio day. I decided after reading many treads to remove the rad and sent to Glen Ray for a rebuild(highly recommended). He estimated the rad was 25% plugged.Old age syndrome. Now car operates by the t-stat. I am also running 20/50 brad penn oil.I know there is a calculation concerning the efficiency of the fuel burn at ?? temps. My question is should I wait for the hot summer months to arrive before I change to a 180°f t-stat or leave the 160°f in it? Runs great.Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

Personally I would never run anything colder than a 180 and preferably a 190 stat in the engine.

A 180* for sure.

great and thanks for input. Any suggestions or would a Napa t-stat be a good one to use?

Get a hi-flow one from Summit.

thanks

190 - 195 is ideal. Never quite understood the colder stat thing. Once it opens, that's all ya get! Maybe you get a "head start" for a short run, but eventually it's up to the rad and the rest of the system.