Just installed a new aluminum radiator, twin electric fans, new water pump, 180 thermostat, not using the stock overflow tank. now the engine temp gauge is only reading about 130 and the needle kinda bobs around there slightly. any clue what it is is?

 

IDK.. But maybe all those "new" parts and upgrades helped it to be cool... what was it running for a temp before all the upgrades and installs? And was there a "problem" with the temp before you did all that?

 

it is a "problem" if he is only running at 130. did you put the thermostat in backwards? i would get an infrared thermometer and see what its actually running at rather than believing the dummy gauge

 

and if it bobs around it sounds like your low on coolant or have an air pocket.

 

Make sure you have plenty of coolant, The sending unit won't read if there isn't anything there..

 

do you have good heat?? and is system bleed properly, indicated by good heat output usually