Hi back overengineering the wheel again. i have an electric fan and davies craig electric water pump im going to be setting up. i will be removing the thermostat and was wondering if there is an ideal temperature to aim for. researching has brought up a lot of generic information. performance wants a little cooler, economy wants a little warmer. will oil temperature be a contributing factor. Are y blocks different than other similar engines in what they like? thanks
Seth

My two cents? 180.

I would never remove the thermostat on a street engine.  The engine needs heat to be efficient and warm oil is always better for wear and performance.  180-195* is not unreasonable unless you live in Death Valley and can't buy good gasoline.  Timing at 12-14* initial, total ~38* and a vacuum advance canister will help reduce detonation if you have a spacer under the carb to isolate it from the intake manifold heat and underhood heat.  JMO, but the only place I have removed a thermostat was at the drag strip and even there I used a 5/8" hole spacer instead of a thermostat with an electric water pump.  Joe-JDC

JDC

When I bought my current Y block equipped car it ran really hot...like 220 or higher.  I didn't like that, so I picked up a smaller water pump pulley...then it never got above 140 and I was getting that milky color in the oil that you get when there's water in there...Eventually I decided to check the thermostat and realized whoever was in there last didn't think it needed one.  I started with a 180 and it ran hot again...then, on a recommendation from here, I picked up Napa Thermostat part number 6, which is 170 degrees...that's been perfect ever since.  Keeps the gauge around 180-ish.  

I have the wide-mouth 170 also. T-Bird gauge runs in the centerline on all but the hottest days. Maybe a bit lower on the coldest.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Joe,
  The water pump has a controller that pulses to reduced flow until approaching set point. they recommend removing thermostat completely with controller unless in very cold climates. I'm in South Florida so its doesn't get really hot or cold, just steamy all year round. currently were enjoying nice warm winter staying in the low 80s.
Seth