Don that was a great call re the choke. Phil...when I bought my car it would run so cool especially on cooler days I didn't think there was a thermostat installed. I checked with the auto parts store and Ford specs a 195 for the fe390. So thatt's what I installed but in doing so I found a 160 stat there already. My car runs MUCH better at temp always around 190 hot or cold weather, warms up to temp much faster, gets the
oil warmer sooner...all good things. I think 180 is still too low for you. But that's only because it's too low for me. I have read other post stating 210 running temps is what you need for maximum HP. You may want to reconsider the 180. There are a lot of guys here with much more experience than me with engines. Just so you know my suggestion is from somewhat limited experience. John