It isn't generally a good idea to do this, Ron. You want the water to remain in the radiator long enough to allow heat to be dissipated into the air and if it runs through freely and too fast, you'll end up running your engine hotter than you might want. Also, in the winter the reverse applies. You want the water to remain in the engine long enough to maintain the proper temperature of your engine. As for a proper thermostat in the 235 it depends on where you live. If you live in a place like Dallas where the daytime temperature in the summer is guaranteed to be at least 100 F, you need a 160 degree thermostat. If you live where the temperature will be cooler...maybe in the range of 90 or 93, you may prefer a 180 degree thermostat. Please remember a thermostat does not determine the maximum temperature your engine will run. It determines the minimum temperature your engine will run and today's thermostats are not as accurate as yesterday's thermostats were.
