The head is shorter than most other 12's. Plus the opening by the glow plug is wider so you are reading differently than most other motors. I couldn't get my car to shift (still breaking it in) until I got the temp up to 210. I thought that might be a little hot. But, it isn't really. It's kinda like reading about 180 on other motors. Even though people are saying that the motor runs good at 270, it's probably more like 240-250. Just reads higher on this motor. Will take a little while for me to get used to it. Just my 2 cents.