I just install an autometer water gauge and the needle seem to stay at 200* it is the normal temp of a 5.0, i have also a 160* thermostat in so this is why i dont know if its normal ????
That is pretty normal depending on where you drive. At speed on the highway the temp should stay around 160-180 with a 160 stat. Now once you get in traffic the temp can easily climb and stay around 210 in the summer.
I would install a 180* your car will run a little cooler. When running a 160* the tstat is opening constantly not giving the coolant a chance to cool down.
My aftermarket water temp gauge says around 200-210. I added a fan toggle switch inside of the car and if my car is running 210 and I hit the switch within like 15 seconds the water temp gauge goes down to 185-190. I was amazed.
Instructions on installing the switch are in the FAQ.
My AM gage reads bout 204 max...thats a 192 stat and stock radiator....at first i thought that was kinda hot....so when it would hit 200 I would turn the heater on for a moment....that kicks the fans on and it would drop to 190 within 4 minutes...
i finally got used to it running around 200...it runs damn fine right there...never hints its to much, like pinging or running like ass...mine seems to run the balls at 200 all day long...