james

New correct thermostat? New hoses? Are you sure the thermostat is installed in the correct orientation? The spring should be inserted into the intake manifold and the "bridge" should be in the coolant outlet neck.

Yes, everything is new although I did have the motor rebuilt by someone else who is experienced. But I will take apart and investigate. Any thoughts on no thermostat at all? I  live in Phx. and have removed the a/c and just looped the heater hoses. By the way, thanks for responding. This is the first time I have ever  been on a forum and asked for help. (i'm a guy!) I also need help up-loading pics. All of my files are at least 4 mb and they're too large.

I would say no, the cooling system is designed with the restriction from the thermostat taken into consideration. The popular consensus is that the coolant flows too fast without a thermostat to soak up heat from the engine. I believe that because fast flowing fluids (gases and liquids) form a  boundary layer and faster flowing fluids creates more turbulence which causes a thicker boundary layer,  effectively insulating the engine block.