Optimium engine temp?

[Longhorn Man]

i am pretty sure that 180 degree is what came in these trucks.
In old cars, and modified engines, the cooling systems aren't as consistant as they are in new cars. Becouse of this, when the guage hits 200, we start to get a little scared, at 210, we look at the guage more than the road in front of us, at 220, we pull over and start looking at what could be going on.
The reality, 220 isn't as bad as we think. I highly recomend not aiming for that temp, and not ignoring it if your needle gets there, but, it isn't going to damage things.
I learned a few things on the links and quotes above. I used to be a 160 degree t-stat guy. I've known better for a long time, but I have to admit, I had no idea the wear was double when the engine is that cool.

[FrankieD]

Maybe a better way to monitor the engine is by putting in an oil temp gauge in which I think would be more consistent and tell the true story of what is going on in the engine.
The coolent temp also affects the fluid in the automatics and its hydraulic values. http://www.txchange.com/heatchrt.htm . This is where cooler is better and a trans cooler is a must.

[LostMy65]

My thermostat doesn't open until around 220-230, then the temp drops back down about 195.
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