Guys;

I'm with you! The thermostat first and foremost controls engine temp! Danny doesn't mention what temp thermostat he has installed, but a stuck, or 165 degree therm. in this (global warming my A** climate) will definately leave you wanting for cabin heat too...I also use the (partial) blocked rad. trick...
When its this cold, making up a bit of a heat exchanger to the headpipe wouldn't hurt...

Danny;

The hole into the cooling system at the front/side of the head is used for the oil cooler plumbing on early 1800s and for (I believe the) idle air vavle on injected models.

I've never played with electric fan upgrades, but generally the temp. sensor wants to watch the rad. temp and turn on and off the fan appropriately...again, the therm. controls the engine "automatically".

I also find that richening the carbs for the cold season a half turn, gives better off idle road performance.

Cheers