it seems every engine is different and every gauge is different, degree of accuracy many times being questioned.
i have a 351 svo crate in my spf with spf supplied
oil cooler that is hooked up.
in normal everyday driving conditions the
oil temp is usually just slightly less than the engine temp. as the engine temps vary due to stop and go driving or ambient temp differences so does the
oil temp following suit.
the only time the oil temp gets above engine temp is during very hot days in slow moving /heavy stop and go traffic (but always falling down to engine temp level or slightly less once traffic opens up) or when the car is being driven hard , ie, track or strip time the oil temp will be higher than engine temp, but only marginally so.
my engine temps due to outstanding radiator cooling capacity and two very efficient 'puller fans' when needed NEVER get above 200 degrees farenheit and usually run in the 185-190 degree range. as mentioned, oil temps then are either the same, or 5-10 degrees less than engine temp and when higher never exceeding 205-210 degrees F.
but alas, every engine is different and gauge variability is an issue too. I use the gauges for 'directional reference' of one vs the other and have never boiled over or had the gauge read (eitiher one) over 210 F (my gauges read in centigrade, but I have a little cheat card that does the F conversion for reference as my memory isn't what it used to be). Other friends i know who have the sb's with coolers report similar experiences. The bb folks seem to run hotter by 5-10 degrees F for both oil and engine in normal everyday driving. Bill.