Actually (atleast on my 96) the temp gauge is fairly accurate in the sense that it does show when the engine is really hot. Though if it's in the normal range,, than that's normal hence it being called the normal range. At around the O in normal, my ECT is 172 degrees. I believe 180 is about what you want this type of engine to run at for optimal conditions which would put the needle sticking bout straight up.
