Classic/Antique Car Repair: temp. gauge, logical answer, antifreeze

Question
what is the normal running temp. of an 87 corvette?

Answer
Hi Steven,

This is one of those questions like, which girls are more beautiful: redheads, brunettes or blondes?  Ask different people and you'll get very different answers.

The correct answer to your question is: whatever the owners manual says it should be.

The logical answer is: as low as you can get it to be, cooler running engines are always happier.

I'm assuming you're running about half and half water with antifreeze, so your range is probably 180 to 220.  If you are running a 180 thermostat, then then your "normal running temp" would likely be 180-200.  If you're running a 195 thermostat, then then your "normal running temp" would likely be 195-215.

So...why do you ask?

Dave