[Lynn Eades]

what engine oil are you using?
The reason why I ask is because, it is reccomended to use a mono grade oil in the flathead v8, because mono grade oils have better heat transfer qualities.
I would not ditch the thermostats. I would use 160 ones. preferably waxstat ones.( bellows ones fail in the closed position usually) Some engines overheat because the water circulates too fast without thermostats.
They cause your engine to heat up to working temp. quickly, and then maintaining an even temp,which leads to a long service life.
There are quite a few very pertinent comments to this thread that should help.
Lynn.