I verify the stamped temp inside the thermostat. All the units I've bought for customer/friends D2's from Auto Zone aka Motorad units were stamped 180F/82C. I haven't bought any in the last year so no surprise if the supplier/stock has changed. Just like how the 78C stamped Britpart stats which I never had an issue with vanished once their supplier changed.

 

Definitely inline mod. Get rid of that silly thing all together. The kit is quality and doesn't look too out of place.