Steps To Increase Engine Operating Temperature..., Curse of the Temp Gage... Options

[Joseph Mills]

Before I had a temp gage, I worried about not knowing what temps my engine was running at. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Now that I have a temp gage, I get to worry about the temps the engine is actually running at! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Since the ambient temps in my neck of the woods has dropped into the forties & fifties my engine temp gage reads between 120 - 180 running around town.

The flapper boxes and thermostat were removed by the PO. The vent door over the oil cooler is wired open.

At idle, the temp will not climb over 140.

I'm doing an AX tomorrow and these temps seem a little cold for running the engine at redline.

What have some of you in a similar situation done to increase temps?

I have removed the GT lid and installed the stock one with a raintray. I could cover the expanded wire mesh (including the little side openings next to the lid), with all mag vinyl.

Also considered blocking off 1/2 of the oil cooler.

The value I see in blocking the oil cooler is that it will increase oil temps, whereas blocking the engine air could possibly increase headtemps, but still not increase engine oil temps.

Any ideas, comments, advice?