Engine not coming up to temp

[stock car driver]

TODAY... I did 3 pulls one at each temp on the way up. Usually I just run it until up to temp at a few grand spinning the wheel but this time I did actual runs to see the #s to post them here.

160 degrees
180 degrees
195 degrees

I gained 5-7 hp each run... period until it was running on the stat opening and closing for the duration of the day.

[joedoozer]

Ok so we are a little better after last night. I ran a 180 deg t-stat under the adapter plate. And I taped half the radiator. It still wouldn't come up to temp idling. Waiting to go out on the track I kept the RPM's up and the temp would climb slooooowly. Once racing the engine came up quick and stayed between 200 and 210. So I definitely can run a smaller radiator and fan, and I will get the adapter plate machined so I can run the t-stat above it.