What Thermostat for my 454? (Virginia)

[Dead Parrot]

From what I have managed to research, the temp rating on a thermostat is the "Start to Open" point. The stable running point will be 10 to 20* higher depending on engine, coolant flow, fan, amount of bug crud in the radiator etc.

Your 210~220 with a 195 thermostat is expected. Keep in mind that 25+ year old senders and gauges are likely to be 10~20% off. And that is assuming they are a matched set, which is often untrue if one or more have been replaced. If your gauges are matching your hand held temp checker, feel lucky.