BD, T stats do not control engine operating temperature. An engine will run at whatever temperature it's designed to run at regardless of T-stat rating assuming all systems are operating at factory specifications.
The T stat enables the engine to get up to optimal operating temperature more quickly than if no T stat exists. It stays closed to help heat up the engine and then opens when the rated temp is reached to allow the engine to cool itself as designed.
1950 Chevrolet 3100 (Ol' Roy)
1939 Packard Standard Eight Coupe (The Phantom) | 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (The Bismarck) | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe |1966 Ford Mustang (Little Red) | 1969 Pontiac GTO (The Dishpit) I 1979 Ford F-100 | 1976 Ford F-150 (Big Red) | 1995 Ford F-150 (Newt)