I've noticed my temps climbing higher at idol over the past week, and very little heat coming from the vents. Is there more I should look at replacing other than the thermostat, and I've heard a lot about using a 180. What is the benefit of using the 180 thermostat or the original?

 

Doesn't sound like it's just your thermostat. The coolant constantly flows through your heater core so if the engine is hot, you should have plenty of heat. You should try backflushing the heater core. Regarding your high temps at idle, confirm that your viscous clutch is working on your fan (should feel like it's full of peanut butter when turned by hand) and that the electric fan comes on at 212 degrees as it should. You may have a clogged radiator. If you have an IR thermometer, check that the temperature from the top to the bottom of the radiator is within 10 degrees (like Savannah says). As for the thermostat, most people are going to a 180. You will see a 10 degree drop in operating temps. I have a Motorad and have had no issues, but there is a Rover one available as well.

 

180' is best just warm enough to let the motor be happy , the less heat you can in this motor the better . The life saver is to not OVERHEAT live by your ultra gage ! Mine would only overheat if it was low on water & I could catch it with the ultra gage way before it ever got to red on the factory gage .just sain blamo.

 

Checked coolant level?