I got a 192 or 193 stat in mine with the rallye dash and everything new like radiator 3 row, thermal fan, water pump, and my gauge reads 1/3 the way up idling or driving. Once it's warm, it just stays there. I've let it idle a few times for 20 minutes, held it over 2000 rpms for 20 mins to break in the cam, and have drove it only 5 miles since new, but it doesn't show any signs of overheating. This is with a 22" radiator and a 440-6. I do have my timing and jetting set pretty close. Air, fuel, and timing will cause havok on a cooling sytem temp if not within range