Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) High engine temps?

[snowracer69]

Today I straight-piped my truck from the resonator back (resonator and stock tail pipe are still on). I used 3" pipe from the local Napa store, and had to do some bending on it (via a torch and vise) to make it fit properly. The bends I made didn't restrict the flow that much, as far as I can tell. Anyway, now it seems that my engine is running at a hotter temp than it was before doing this... it had been running right at or slightly below 190*, and now it's right at to about 5 degrees above 190*. Most of the time, it only goes way up if I'm under hard accelerartion... once in cruise, around 65 MPH, it cools back down. Could this be because the straight pipe is restricting the flow too much? Did I just inadvertantly (sp?) purchase a Rip Rook exhaust 2 months earlier than I wanted to? It also needs a new air filter, if that has any consequence... the K&N RE-0880 will fit in the stock airbox, right?



I don't have my guages yet... ordered them today, and they should arrive either Friday or Monday, so I won't know till then just how hot the EGT's are running.



Thanks for any help.



Josh



EDIT: spelling