stat mod
1) The stat will not run the car cooler in non-highway driving unless you do a fan mod to get the air flowing sooner than stock.
I did the auto fan mod: http://ls1info.com/article.php?sid=222
2) The shim size does play a role, and since this is a home made deal it will vary some.
3) Any stat that opens at a certain temp will not keep the car at that temp... the actual temp is usually about 10* hotter. Therefore you might say you made a 175* stat.
4) Last, but not least, the temp gauge in your dash leaves alot to be desired when it comes to accuracy.
Good luck
Dave

