Thermostat removal
 

Hi
I've had so much trouble with my 36 Ford over heating that i removed the thermostat and it runs perfect now. My engine is a 350 Chevy crate. Since i removed it (now that winter is here) the temperature runs about 140 degrees.
My question ......is it OK to run at 140 VS the usual 190 degree

Bob

No. Put a thermostat back in.

you can use a restrictor instead of a thermostat

Don't suppose you tested the old thermostat when you pulled it out, did you? Most likely the t-stat was bad, thus the overheating problem. Get a new, quality t-stat. I've had brand new Chinesium t-stats that were bad out of the box.

Thermostat removal
 

Here is a good thermostat to use. EMP Stewart High Performance Thermostats 301 - SummitRacing.com. Here is another by Mr. Gasket Mr. Gasket High Performance Thermostats 4364 - SummitRacing.com

Actually the engine will last longer and run just as well at 190 degree F than it will at 140 degrees F, which is way too cool, especially at this time of the year (it will be colder soon).

This is because if the engine coolant doesn't get hot enough the engine will never rid itself of the moisture that condenses inside the engine. This moisture combines w/the motor oil and w/byproducts of combustion to form sludge and will become acidic enough to even damage bearings if left uncorrected.