I was just checking to see if your factory gauge was inaccurate. Since you're not going by the factory gauge, then It should be fairly accurate. I can say that last December 17, we had a huge cold front come in. The north winds were probably 25 to 30 mph. The temperature was at most 5 degrees. I drove for over an hour unloaded into the wind. My mechanical gauge stayed right between 190 and 195 the whole time. I'm using a Motorcraft thermostat. I could never understand the cardboard in front of the radiator. To me, if the thermostat is working right, your engine temp should never go much below the opening temperature of the thermostat. The aftermarket one in my 302, on the other hand. Will fluctuate between 160 and 170 when it's 20 degrees outside. It's not warm enough for me. I just ordered a Motorcraft thermostat for it too. I want to have enough heat this winter in both trucks.