What is the ideal temp thermostat for my chevy silverado?

[tanner_goracke]

I've got an 88 chevy silverado, 5.7L/350 V8, and the 180 degree peice a crap thermostat decided to open up at 270 degrees tonight after 3 minutes of the check gauges light being on and me freaking out that my engine was gunna blow. So in other words the thermostat is crap and needs replaced, and I want to know what are the advantages to running a cooler one such as a 160 degree thermotstat or running a hotter one like a 195 degree thermostat. Or if I should just stay with the 180 degree one, even though I think the stock one is a 195 degree thermostat. Thanks for you input!!

 

[Allan C]

Stay with the 195 degree thermostat and check to make sure the guage is working properly. Also make sure the thermostat is facing the right way.