When we drag race, always try to have the engine temp at 185-190 when the car is in the beams, ready to launch. Whatever temp you pick, do it the same every time or the consistency will go away.... As with everything in drag racing, make it the same every pass!!!! Watched lots of guys not pay attention to engine temp at launch, then come back to the pits and play with carb and timing issues, then make the next pass with a cold engine, and wonder where they went wrong!!!!