update....
first off thanks again for the input has helped a lot
yesterday without a stat I ran the car on the interstate for 20 miles, even got up to 80 mph and the temp. was much lower. within the middle of the gauge. When I got off the
freeway the temp slowly climed up. This was after waiting in traffic on the exit ramp. Got back on the interstate to return home and at highway speed the temp returned to
the middle of the gauge. Next I think I will try a 180 stat and antifreeze. Hoping to do this in the upcoming week.

Bennoel