See, the difference is, guys like you, Pat, and Jerry, know this stuff and the right way to do it. Me, I take the kit out of the box, check the ring gap, and in it goes. It is a little noisy yet, but like you mention, I'm running a strong cam (X303 Ford Racing) and the short pistons, so I guess it is just going to be that way.

I got it out and put more miles on it today, everything seems fine, and I got to check the temp against the cap thermometer and the infared gun. They both read 170 and my temp gauge reads 220! I already changed gauges and senders, same reading. I have the sender right at the thermostat housing, so that might fit into what Jerry was talking about earlier.

I can also put my hand on both hoses and they are hot, but not too hot to hold, so my inclination is to believe the car is actually running at the 170-180 level.

Don