Assuming that there are no actual problems with your existing cooling system, I think you are right and in general, the 160 stat should help you overall. If you start out at the bottom of a grade running cooler, it will take more time to end up hotter at the top and since it recovers quickly (that tells me you don't have any hard problems), that is what I mean by it helping you overall. 160 stats are not a "fix all", but like I said, if your cooling system can get close to supporting it, I think you will be ok. When it comes to getting a carbureted big block to cool off, go with anything that works. let us know what happens on your trip!