Engine running to cool

[Mertz]

I have a 350 in a 72 Chevy 3/4 ton pickup with 350 pretty much stock except MSD Ready to Run and ceramic headers with performer intake and qjet. I have a 195 degree tstat. When I warm up the truck it will get over half way from center on the stock gauge and then drops to about 1/4. I am assuming that when it is over half it is a about 195 or a little higher. That would mean I am running well under 195 under normal driving conditions. I don't have a temp gauge hooked up yet but it seems reasonable that it is running very cool and is probably hurting my performance and mileage. I don't think a higher temp tstat would make any difference in cruise temp. Timing is at 36 all in at 2800. Is there a good way to make this run a little hotter to help fuel burn, power and mileage. Temp sensor is on the head.

[custom70]

First thing I would do is hook up a aftermarket temp gauge to now where you are really at.

[KEL]

I have a stock 72 Sierra Grande and that is where my temp gauge sits
when the truck is warmed up. I get plenty of heat, so I think you do
not have an issue.

[GruntMoanCough]

Maybe try a new thermostat and/or sender unit if you don't want to use an aftermarket guage. Or, use the wife's meat thermometer to see what temp your running at .

[KEL]

Originally Posted by KEL

I have a stock 92 Sierra Grande and that is where my temp gauge sits
when the truck is warmed up. I get plenty of heat, so I think you do
not have an issue.

thats supposed to read "stock 72 Sierra Grande"
i just cant type.
can't spell to good either