i have a 351 and i have 2 electric fans big aluminum radiator. i use a 160 stat, my reasoning is that i wanted a lower overall temp, not too low . i wanted to heat up fast until 160 and after that is basically stays open, i used to run a thermostat that i cut the center out of to restric flow slightly (wide open is too much water flow) but it took to long to warm up. i have a 175 nitrious shot and if i have a 180 stat in, it will over heat for a short while till it can cool down enough to drive normal. a 160 works great for my application in which i cannot use a 180. it may work great for you or not, its just my personal experience. if you have a power-adder will have a lot to do with you heating.