I agree. Maybe study up on what the thermostat actually does and what it really controls instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. I would run a 180 or 195. I plan on a 195 high flow in the big block I am putting together.
I am familiar with how thermostats work. Please check my post under your first post for the reason why I want to go with a 170. Basically, I heard that the hottest you want an engine to run is 200 degrees. I don't want to run my engine red line, I don't run my tires low on air, I always check my oil before starting it after time, and I like to check the rad to make sure it is full, or 2" under full, lol... I just don't like to run her that hot because of the heat in Tx. Now when it goes down, I will probably run a 180 therm because the fans will need to turn on at just over 195.
