...Tim Meyer supplies the correct Robertshaw thermostats 160F, 180F and 192F. He bought the machines to produce the Correct Copper Hat, as it's called.
I use to create the Copper skirts and install them on the RS thermostats...I have had over 640 Modified Robertshaw Thermostats pass through Me, Documented!
Most don't know the FORD engineers designed the 351 Cleveland engine to run a195F Thermostat. I suggest the 180F is Perfect for a Street Running, some 'Laps', Pantera.
Point being, in all of those Customers, Only 2 ever requested the 160F RS Stat. I talked One person out of it for the following reasons. The second person INSISTED on having a 160, he was going to drive cross-country and wanted the Cleveland to run 'Extra Cool'. It doesn't work that way! He received the Only 160F stat I ever created.
The Cons of running a TOO Cold Cleveland Engine:
Accelerated Cylinder Wall wear.
Harder/Stumbling Idle at Cold morning starts.
Inefficient Fuel Atomization with-in the Intake Manifold.
Passing unburned, Raw fuel to excessive emissions, Leading to lower gas Milage.
The 160F Opens sooner and possibly, never closes...the coolant passes through the Engine too fast. for the coolant to Absorb an efficient 'Amount' of Heat. The Stat MUST Cycle, open/closed, for the Coolant to take heat away from the Block and Heads.
"Heat is Energy", the Cooler Engine produces reduced Horsepower. That's Why a Over-Heating Engine IS More Powerful.
There's More.
Why the 195F (192F) Thermostat should be used for Racing Only, In My View.
Go with the 180F from T. Meyer and don't forget the 'Brass Restrictor Plate'!! You'll be Happier for it, when She has a Perfect Idle.
MJ
P.S.
I took the Pantera to the Mojave Desert, August 1-4 2019. 180F RS Stat. Ambient temp 118F, Cruizing at 85 MPH, all day, the Engine Temp remained at 192F-195F. Restrictor Plate was Installed.