I didnt really include the radiator in my post, but that could have an affect on the temp also. One to small, blocked, missing fins etc would have less cooling ability and the normal running temp may well be higher.
Im not in disagreement with TRD mans post, but thinking about a normal road going car with no modifications to the system before the new panel I would not expect a significant change to be visually seen via a temp gauge.
Modern factory cars run in a fairly tight temp range. They warm to operating temp, a fan cuts in if they just go over it and thermostat closes when it drops below it. Clearly this has some degrees to play around with and is not specifically an exact 85.
When I had a shitter with no thermo it would get up to its normal operating temp, much over that the fan would cut in. If I went down a long hill coasting the temp would drop below normal operating temp.
In any cars Ive had in the last many years, it warms to temp. Fan cuts in in less than a bar on the gauge if sitting in traffic. Coasting down a hill it dosent drop lower.
The other aspect I dont know details of is how close are the bars on the car in questions gauges? three bars on my current car would put it at overheating from the normal opp temp. Clearly this is not the case here.
Anyway, not trying to say what I say is law, its not. Just my opinion from my understanding and experience.
