Do you need to? No... Some do and some don't. I run one and I believe it is wise to do so if only to help get the engine up to operating temperature more quickly and consistently before a run. If I were you, I'd run a 180* thermostat... anything that makes the car operate more consistently is a good tihng

BTW: Welcome to the forum... how about posting something about yourself in the Newbie forum?

Two cents,

-Chris