Unless you live in a hot climate (which you don't) a 180 thermostat is fine for the street. However, if your cooling system currently is at 210 the thermostat alone won't fix it; it'll open earlier (do you have a 195 in there now?) and slow the temperature ascent but eventually it'll still reach 210. Have you verified that this 210 reading is accurate? Factory gauge or aftermarket? How old is the sending unit? GM gauges work based on resistance and if you can locate the resistance scale for your car (a factory service manual might contain it) you can use a combination of resistors to check the accuracy of the gauge.
A fan shroud always helps with a mechanical fan but I don't know if '66s came with one from the factory or what your feeling is regarding the addition of one. I personally like fixed-blade fans used in conjuction with thermal clutches. The radiator isn't very old, is it? How long has it been since the system's been flushed? Brad O. > I just ordered a Be Cool 180 degree thermostat for my '66 327 from Jeg's, and had a > question about it- They also offered a 160 degree model. I spoke w/another car > enthusiast, and they advised to stick with the 180 thermostat, as the 160 might > impact > how well the heater performs in the Winter. Can anyone provide any feedback on the 2 > options, and will this definitely help my motor run cooler? She currently runs a > constant 210. I wanted to see what options I had without having to install an > electric > fan just yet.. > > Thanks! > > Jim
