Thermostat - 80 or 87 degree C ?

["Dan Sinclair" <sinclair@prospro.com>]

Well, summer has officially arrived in the Northwest and my car is starting
to cook a bit.  Running a little hotter than last summer, and the weather
really isn't all that warm yet (80s today).  I think it's time to flush the
cooling system, add new anti-freeze and perhaps replace the thermostat and
gasket while I'm at it - 71,000 miles.

Temperature recommendations?  TPC lists an 80c and an 87c.  I been told the
basic tenants are:

Higher temp = better gas mileage, better efficiency
Lower temp = better safety margin, greater longevity

I'm sure there are other opinions and suggestions circulating this list
though.  I'd love to hear them.  Thanks.

-Dan

Dan Sinclair
1988 Audi 90, 71,000mi.
Pic and details at:
http://131.107.68.50/a4.org/registry/details.asp?car=761