Ok I just got my motor and tranny back in, and there seems to be an odd issue. I think its eather the sensor or the gauge it self. car is a 87 T2 btw.

but when ever I let the car cool down and start it back up several minutes later the temp gauge is reading 3/4 of the way up when I normally under a 1/4 up. The motor doesn't feel hot, I can touch it without burning myself, hood feels cool. radiator feels normal. but will stay this way for some time, untill I boost hard for awhile. or if I cruise at about 4 grand for awhile. after that it reads normal regardless. untill I shut it down and let it cool down,

I'm almost positive its not overheating, I think it would of already blown if it where.

more info, wiring harness is junk, all kinds of interior electrical gremlins, Oil pressure gauge doesn't work right eaither.

I'm gonna get a aftermarket temp gauge asap.

 

I've been having some stock temperature gauge issues myself lately since I just swapped motors, too. I actually just bought a cheap 'Sunpro' or whatever gauge from Autozone. I suggest you buy one and tap it into the top of the water pump neck.

As for a normal temp range, I'm guessing around 200' F? That's just a rough estimation, you'll have to search for what's really the correct temp.