Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1965 Thunderbird Thermostat, degree thermostat, temperature thermostat

Question
I have a 1965 thunderbird with a stock 390 300hp. What degree thermostat would you recommend considering I only drive during the summer time?

Answer
My recommendation would be for a 180/190 degree thermostat and a 50/50 mix of anti freeze. The anti freeze along with a pressure radiator cap will raise the boiling point of the mixture to near 300 degrees F. Thus is why hot coolant will boil and erupt when the radiator pressure cap is removed. The strange thing is that more BYU's will be transferred from the radiator to the surrounding air if there is a bigger difference in temperatures between the radiator and the surrounding air. So, hotter is cooler. The last reason is that a lower temperature thermostat will not get the oil hot enough to evaporate condensation in the oil and condensation causes sludge. Engine sludge problems almost disappeared when we started using 190 degree thermostats.
Brad