That rod clearance does sound on the BIG side for a Windsor. It's common knowledge the FE's like more clearance, but I'm surprised at a Windsor going that much. Hmmmmm...
My side oiler, hot, idles at 40, runs 70 or 80 at speed, 10-40
synthetic. All though I think I'm going back to Shell Rotella standard
oil shortly. Don't know why for sure,
synthetic just doesn't 'feel right', it's a mental thing.
Oh, and no
oil cooler or external filters, just 'stock' stuff with a HV pump.