i've heard and seen in a few places stock is 180. this right??

 

Yes,but the fans kick on between 180 & 190.

 

stock thermostat is actually suppose to be 195. I would put in a 180 and adjust your coolant fan parameters.

 

my fans come on at 180

 

Not sure about some of the responses on this thread…a car thermostat’s purpose is to stay closed at a cold startup until the coolant temperature reaches a specific set point (180 degrees) and then open up to allow water to flow between the radiator and the block. A 160 stat will not cause your motor to run at an operating temperature 20 degrees cooler than a 180 thermos. Once the stat’s set point is reached it is just always open...jm$0.02

 

I tell you what,,,,,Why not everyone call a reputable race shop who specializes in S197s & ask them like I did.That will solve everything.