OK, this seemed simple enough, but I have thought way too long and it is making my brain hurt.

When looking at the temp gauge in the '80, the three numbers are 100, 200 and 260.  200 appears to be centered under the top center hack mark.  Between 100 and 200, there is a wide hack mark.  Is this wide hack mark 180 or 200.

The reason I ask is that the new engine is running right at the top center hack mark at 70MPH and up, which I think is 200.  I can live with that for now as I think I have the Q-Jet too rich and will lean it out later this week.

I put the aftermarket rubber hose with the spring in it, man what a PITA, closed off the gaping hole in the lower fan shroud, running 60/40 Prestone mix plus 1 bottle of Water Wetter.  I am currently running a 180 thermostat because when I run a 190, she runs aroun 210 to 220. 

Radiator has been rodded and cored and new hoses on both ends plus I have the heater line cut off with a gate valve to keep from running 140 in the corkpit.

I just wanted a sanity check from the rest of the inmates here before heading off to Eureka Springs on Wed.

Thanks,

The wide "hack mark"(another highly technical term! ) is normally considered to be 180, which is what the engineers considered the proper operating heat range.
200 deg @ 70 is not out of the ordinary. I'd say your car is runnin a fairly normal temp, as long as it doesn't get above 225 or so for extended times.

an added thought...don't be too dependant on the temp gauge reading, as it may not be accurate. A lot of them are not. Use an infra-red thermometer on the upper rad. hose to get a better idea of actual temps, and compare that to what your dash gauge shows. You might be surprised!

Joel;

Thanks, I feel a lot better about taking off on the trip now.  I'll try the infrared trick!

DNV-

Thanks Micki!

I wish you and Joel and your better halves were going.  It really is a fun time!

thats a new engine as well right ??

Yep, just got 500 miles on her yesterday and changed the oil last nite.  I took her out to put about 75 miles on yesterday afternoon to get to 500 and she ran between 180 and under 200 the whole trip.  It was 91 degrees out and I figured out that my speedo is 6 mph slower than actual speed. 

I timed between the mile markers and at 65 I ran a time for 71 consistently over several timed miles.