190 is good. Newer cars run higher temps for emissions reasons, not because they're aluminum. The thermostat should set the operating temp not just the minimum temp. These cars didn't come with electric fans and temp sensors controlling when they came on and turned off. It was the thermostats job to control the temp. If not then the temp would continue to rise as the outside temps rose. If everything works correctly, the cooling system is up to the task, then the engine temp should always be what the thermostat temp is.
Mine hits 180 and stays there, doesn't matter what the outside temp is, doesn't matter how I beat on it. No electric fans going on off. The thermostat is controlling the temp.
__________________
Hank
70 Chevelle SS396(454), M20, 3.73
My Chevelle
|