I had a past post while I inquired about factory gauge temps.
Here is the deal
Installed a 180 F stat - factory gauge read 210 or just a tick under - called hypertech - they stated that the factory gauge is calibrated not to show minor changes and temp - they advised to get a a/m gauge and I would see the changes - now last night - installed my new auto meter electrical gauge on the post - the a/m gauge show 195 or just a tick under 195 - I ran it down the road and temp did come down but never to 180 F - at light temp shot right to 195 - let it sit and swept out the garage - temp sat at 210 - called hypertech - they stated that all this crap is normal - remember this is an 03 - i asked about a 160 f stat - and they stated they get CEL with 160 stats - Advise - stick with the 180 F or get a 160 F and a programmer ??? Totally frustrated with this one plus I am a ASE master and never had this much discussion over a Fing thermostat - my 91 would still right on 180 F all day even in the heat. - Thank for input.

 

my truck is the same way, i never see any temps below 194 with atap. my friend has a 160 stat and his runs about 172. i think its normal.

 

I had the same situation with a 180 in my 01 so I put a 160 in and the needle on the temp gauge goes up to just before the first mark.

 

just like they said, the 192-195 temps are normal for a 180 stat, my 160 showed 172-174.

as far as shooting higher than that when your not moving, that is caused by your clutch fan not kicking on till it is nice and hot. i had the same problem with the 160 stat, when not moving the temp would work it's way right up to 200+. electric fans will keep it cool.

with electric fans i see a steady 172deg, when i run it thru the 1/4 it might get up to 178 or so and then back down to 172 after just a few minutes.