Morris said it a lot better than I did . Note that he`s using an orifice to slow the coolant flow down so it will allow everything in the cooling system to do its job .
I tried a 160* thermostat per Blair`s recommendation ( he did my engine also ) , but the
oil temps were too low for me . The 180* works just fine . Where you are , you can probably get by with plain distilled water and water wetter .... no
antifreeze . It will cool a little better . I run plain water year round here in SC with no problems .
I really like Morris` using the MSD retarder on the ignition and now have another project for this winter .
FWIW on your
oil , Blair had me do the break-in on the VR1 , but switched me to
Amsoil full
synthetic after break-in . That`s the
oil he had to run for the Engine Master`s contest ..... he said he was really impressed with the oil after the engine teardown .