Do all 67-69 small block Barracuda's run hot? Rant

195 is more thermodynamically efficient than 160 or 180. Many cars won't maintain 160, anyway, so it's the same as running without a thermostat -- it would be wide open all the time in the summer. Timing definitely can affect the running temp, as does low oil level. The solid fan will pull more air at idle and at low speed, which is when you need it. The clutch actually makes the fan less effective, with the idea of saving horsepower at higher RPM, but it's a trade off. You might want a thermostatic fan clutch instead, that tightens up at higher temps.