I would think that the hose itself offers some insulation value so the actual fluid will be hotter.  It might be better to look at the inlet and outlet connections right at the radiator tank for both for a better comparison.  Hose thickness may also impact the readings as well as the emissivity/reflectivity of the hoses themselves when using an infrared device.  A shiny versus flat hose surface will yeild different results. 

Yes, both motors were at operating temp as far as the temp gague was concerned. Thermostat is 180 on both. Was wondering also what effect a/c would have on the small block set up.
  Hey Steve, this has to do with the a/c conversation we had a few weeks ago. We , or I was trying to decide, vintage air, or classic auto air. Classic auto air comes with seperate a/c, and heat coils. Vintage does not. Any advantage or disadvantage ? It says the stock (OE) ac had the seperate coils. What's your take on that?

Did the small block have alluminum heads? That will have a lot to do with what you saw. Also the fluid mixture and hoses. Your motors probably hotter than you think any ways. Your temp sender will be in the manifold you'll get a cooler rating there then in what some people consider a true hot reading which would be off the head. It really depends on the car how cool it will run. I have a 350 in an 85 chevy k10 it have a 190 stat in it, that truck runs way cool I only get up to about 165 and that's on what a hot day here in slc is which is low hundreds. So really just depends on the vehicle.