On my 56 292 I added a mechanical Temp Gauge by having Manifold drilled and tapped at a local Machine Shop. Casting is very thin in this Area but I have done 2 of these and not had a leakage Problem. I also added a 6 Blade Fan and Napa Thermostat THM-6. 170 degree Stat with larger opening than most standard Stats. The Mechanical Gauge seems to read 165-170
most of the Time. The original Dash Gauge reads around 3/4 towards Hot. Obviously there is a difference between sender located at back of Engine (stock) and having One directly behind Thermostat Housing. The only other thing I would like to change is the Water Pump Pulley to a smaller Size when I find One. I also removed the Air Deflector on Top of Rad Support. 2 Schools of thought regarding that Deflector. Some say it was there to retain heat in Engine Compartment in Winter. Others think it is there to force Air through Radiator. I don't drive it in Winter so I took it off.
