hey Broncnaz what is the optimal temp?, (crate 360hp 302, c4, stock gearing, 31" and a be cool rad)
I would think that it depends on the heads and compression and cam and fuel quality and where you live. Not that there are many variations mind you...
In the old days (of not that long ago) when they couldn't get something to stop pinging, they'd try a cooler thermostat. Even companies like Hypertech would sell you a 160 or 180 t-stat so you could run at the top level of performance where their chips and programmers would add more timing advance than would be considered nominal with the higher combustion chamber temps.
A modern street engine, even high performance ones, run at 195 to 205 (or is it 210?) all day long on pump gas, so it just depends.
I would run it as hot as you can, without getting into any issues.
You're probably right on the money with the 180, but next time you change it out, give a 195 a try, just to see how it runs in the summber. If it runs good, bingo, keep it all year round.
Since you've already replaced your 180 with another one though, that's the best one for now!
Paul