You are basically on the right path Doug.
- Water wetter really does work. It seems silly and it's been around forever—but it is for real.
- Your 160 to 180 t-stat is the right choice. A 175˚ to 180˚ water temperature will be good for power and longevity. A 180˚ water temp will put your oil temps very near the boiling point of water which some folks value to remove moisture from the crankcase.
- No input on t-stat manufacturers.
- Over 210 water temps begin to cause me worry. Detroit uses temperature as part of their secret sauce for emissions control. We don't have emission issues. Personally, I like 180˚ water temps.
- Your steps approach is the smart way home
Someting to think about in the cooling fan department, a Taurus made between 153 and 365 HP depending on trim and year. You make 2x the high end of that power range. You don't drive around at WOT all day long but neither did Taurus owners. The majority of the cars were typically used in a continuous proletariat transportation fashion at low to occasionlaly moderate throttle openings — i.e. 150 hp or less. The cooling requirements of their engines are dwarfed by yours — more fan maybe?
Almost forgot to mention again, the Delta-Pag fans are brushless which means for all intents and purposes, they are forever fans.