Should I run 160 or 180 degree thermostat in old school rod? No accessories, not even a heater. I live in Cal. 383 SBC with vortec heads. no cooling issues with previous motor. I know this sounds like a dumb question, just looking for opinions.
Thanx,
Pammy  

I would go ahead and run the 180.The hotter the motor runs,the better it burns the fuel.Cleaner combustion makes for clean oil longer,less carbon deposits on valves and overall happier engine.If you run inti detonation problems,the 160 could help cure that.What kind of rod?I LOVE the old skool stuff!I run a 48 olds with a big block.Waddayagot?  

31 Ford 5 window coupe with 32 radiator shell. Chopped 3.5" and channeled 2". Had a 350 till it spun a rod. Changing it out now with a 383. Gonna use my old TH400 and 9" rear. Waiting on a new Ron Francis wiring harness I just ordered because the existing wiring in it scared me! Hope to have it back on the road for the summer season. Thats why all the questions now. Trying to plan out as much of this as possible.
Its never the big stuff that gets ya, always the small.  

I would run 160 and get a hotter plug.....the cooler the engine in hot temps the better, there are alternative ways for a hotter burn.  

Go with the 180. The engine was designed to run at that temp, while running it colder with produce mroe horsepower sometimes, the motor will ruch richer and you'll get mroe carbon buildup and issues.

Plus, with the hotter thermostat the motor will run cleaner, which is always a good thing.  

Car sounds cool.Wish I could see it.Know what you mean about wiring.Good wires,good tires and good brakes.Have fun