Since the thermostat housing was leaking I refreshed the old housing (cleaned & painted), replaced the thermostat with a 180*,+ new gasket &sealant .
I also replaced the temperature sender & now the temp gauge appears to be more accurate.
I also replaced the preformed heater hose with the same style hose.
All is reassembled, car road tested & all appears wel.

 

The 180 T stat was a great choice, it really helped my TPI car run cooler along with a new tune. I think these cars ran too hot from the factory and running cooler will make the car feel stronger IMO.

 

Yeah, the 195° thermostat is for emissions (higher temp = more complete burn). The 180° won't make your engine run at 180°, but it will run cooler if the cooling system is up to the task, and if the ambient temperature is not too insanely hot...

 

A 180* tstat begins to open at 180 but not fully open until 190-195*. The '72 Buick GS orig factory tstat was a 195 but most owners of that ear replaced with 180* tstat.