55.2-59 Original Temp sender and location

[nail pounder]

I reused my original temp sender from the 235 I6 in a gen 1 350 with a 190 T -stat. I installed it in the intake manifold because it was the incorrect size for the cylinder 1/3 head boss. The gauge says I'm running hot, way hotter than the old 235 ever got. Not sure about the accuracy, but I used my infrared temp gun to check various locations. At operating temp, the gauge reads about 3/4 towards the hot side. Infrared gun says 194 at the thermostat housing, 180 on the upper hose, 170 on the lower hose and 202-204 on the heads. Did engines run cooler in the old days or is the location of my sender giving me higher readings? I don't want to put too much faith in the infrared gun, but everything seems normal, no sign of overheating. Maybe 3/4 on the hot side is my new "normal" and I just need to get used to seeing it that high. Thoughts?