Nice....
What spec is the T-stat? If it is a 195, then you are running right about where you should expect to be- If it's a 180, then check to see if you are still running lean, or if you have a coolant flow blockage somewhere in the system.
On a side-note- I know 200-210 sounds high, and is not the ideal temp range for peak performance; but the closer to the boiling point of water you run your engine, the better it is for your motor
oil, because your
oil typically runs about 20 degrees hotter than the water temp, and having the
oil run above 212F allows all the condensation and other atmospheric contaminants that settle into your oil to evaporate off, leaving the oil to do a better job of lubricating, and flushing the normal wear off the bearings and rings.
So, you may not be making peak power at 200+, but you ARE improving durability and longevity in your engine...
560 is plenty of CFM for your 351 (unless it revs to 8 grand), but it's still a Holley...
For street driveability, and ease of tuning, I'm a huge fan of the Weber re-designed Edelbrock and Carter Carbs. Sure, they don't look as "correct", but who can see what's underneath the air cleaner...? Another big plus with the Edelbrocks/Carters is that they have no gaskets below the fuel level, so they are much less leaky than Holleys, too...
Electric fans pull a LOT of current - a 30 amp fuse, a switching relay, and 14 gauge wire (minimum) are all great ideas.- Also, make sure that when the fan is on while the engine is idling, that the alternator is keeping up - If the battery is below 12V at idle when the fan is on, then the alternator is losing the race....
Hey - You're gaining on it, and take some pride in the accomplishments earned (and the knowledge gained) along the way...
Funny- My car was for sale for 7 weeks, and in that whole time, I really only had one potential buyer who truly understood what the honest value of a "well sorted" car really is...
