My 461 had a 160f thermostat. I went to a 180f and the engine liked it better. Then I went to a FlowKooler waterpump and I'm at a 195f thermostat now. Engine likes that even more. These engines do not like to be cold, they will only waste fuel and carbon up when colder. I also have full forged internals so the hotter the better for expansion.
I also ditched the factory mechanical fan and went with an electric with it's own full fan shroud, NEVER gets how now, even idleing with heat soak and the A/C on. The engine reevs WAY better and is generally MUCH happier without the drag of the mehanical fan.
Thanks for sharing that info as I was wondering what stat to put in my 461. I am using pretty much the same set up with elec fans and shroud and A/C but I have edelbrock alum heads so hoping a 195 stat works good for me as that is what the engine builder is telling me.
