[dlampe]

Does the thermostat set the minimum operating temperature for the engine. If the engine runs at 195 on a hot day, would a 160, 180 or 190 thermostat make a difference? The reason I ask is I replace my intake gaskets and in the process noticed that I had the wrong thermostat based on diameter. I was running a 170 but the car usually ran around 190 to 195 without any problems. The only thermostat they had at the parts store that was the right size was a 195. So will my car run hotter as a result of the higher thermostat temp? I don't think so but the minimum temp will now be 195 instead of 170.

What do you think?