New to forum... just purchased 67 RS 396 auto trans car to restore, the drivetrain is complete, working on body and interior. The engine is a later 454... Need advice on engine running at 170 degrees at idle with 160 degree thermastat in it, non clutch flex fan, no shroud. The engine area is not hot, the valve covers are only warm. Should I change to a 180 thermastat, to bring the temp up to a hotter operating temp??

Thanks

 

you could run a little hotter thermostat but thats a fine operating temp to run on a older carberated motor. you want to stay away from anything above 190

 

Wow, you have the opposite problem of what some big block, and even some small block guys have. You must have a good cooling system.
Yes, I'd slap in a 180 stat and see what happens. A running temp of 170 is too cold, 180 is just right. 190 isn't going to hurt, but that's as hot as I'd want my engine to go.

 

thanks guys, that's kind of what I figured, just looking for some input.