the block gets as hot as what thermostat you're using, give or take some, some spots will be hotter than others like right around the cylinders.
so with a 185 thermostat your block only get 185..... give or that a few spots then?
i ask because everyone always talks about using hi temp paint when they paint there upper intake which i would think would be less in temp than the engine block because of it being higher [less heat]and its aluinum.