Ideal operating temp for six?

[Anonymous]

I have been letting the car idle now that it's together and it has been running hot... What's the ideal temp for these motors? Mine is about 200-220.

 

[MustangSix]

Warmer seems to be better from a friction and fuel economy standpoint. I run a 195 t-stat in the Mustang. And 200-210 is about where most modern engines operate, but we have the benefit of EFI and I use Mobil 1 for the added temp protection.

but With a carb, you probably want to stay in the <180 range just to avoid fuel percolation and vapor lock.