Engine Running too Cool?

About the timing... The stock timing should be 10 degrees BTDC unless it is a California engine with cleaner air package (CAP). The CAP engines were set 5 degrees ATDC. They also had a vacuum control valve, that switched the vacuum source to manifold vacuum off idle, to advance the timing to near normal. The carbs were specially calibrated with air bleeds in the throttle plates and changes int the idle circuits. The distributor had different mechanical and vacuum advance components. While it worked OK as a system, if some parts are removed or changed with non-CAP components, may lead to tuning problems. Some change to a standard carb and distributor with good results.

+1 on 185 degree thermostat.