I'm sorry. My bad GPM. I thought u were thinking it was injected.

I'm sorry. My bad GPM. I thought u were thinking it was an injected motor.

No problem, 180 seems warm for a blower motor with cast iron heads, plus 34 degrees of timing, I can't imagine the head gaskets lasting to long, but I could be wrong. Compression and cam would probably dictate the end result.

Without knowing static comp ratio, its hard to give you advice.
If its been built as a basically a 525SC clone, then no worries unless they bumped the static comp ratio to much more than 8.5.
The 525SC runs 5.5 lbs of boost and 35* of total timing with 7.5 CR. I ran my 525SC at almost 8lbs with 35* and 92-93 octane and never had any issue.

I agree that you should try and get the water temp down to around 140-150*.at least.

Ok Griff I'm gonna throw a stupid ? At ya. How the heck do u lower your water temp?

Check what thermostat is in it.

Easy enough. Lol

The stock thermostat for Merc carbed engines 140*. It should stay under 150* with one.
There are also some aftermarket 120* Tstats.