Quote:
Originally Posted by dporto
" Dropping the coolant temps from their normal 205-210F levels to around 175F with a 160F stat significantly reduces the inherent hot spots in these engine's that typically lead to problems like cylinder head cracking. The cooler coolant temps also lower the oil temps nearly 25F, which results in a huge improvement in the oil's life expectancy and performance."
With all due respect to JFP (I've read many of his posts here, on RennTech and several other forums - he's clearly an accomplished and competent mechanic) and any others who believe this; While I believe that lower coolant temps reduce inherent hot spots, how does a Thermostat "drop" the coolant temps. in an engine? Please no nasty/smarmy/flaming type replies. If someone feels like they have to "stick up" for the low temp. T-stat, please try to stick to facts and/or data to back up your argument/theory. 
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The thermostat controls the
minimum operating temps the engine sees, not unlike the thermostat on the heating system of your house. Can the car's cooling system get hotter when it is stuck in heavy traffic? Yes, but once moving again, it will cool back down to the lower steady state operating temperature set by the thermostat.
By starting from a lower minimum temp, and returning to it when air flow over the cooling system allows, both coolant and oil temperature's are reduced, and any inherent "hot spots" caused by the mechanical design of the engine castings are running cooler.