It's important to convert the water pump to Rwd. It very well may be your problem.
I did a lot of research when doing my conversion from a fwd 4age to rwd. Rwd is always running a higher pressure load on the engine by enough for the pump to make a difference.
By passing the heater core is common, I did the same.
Always good to double check the hose.
To work out air when doing the rad, cut the end off a 2litre and raise water level well above the radiator.
Also to work out air, 1 remove rad cap and put it back with out tightening it, to allow air pressure to build and bubble out.
Also a plastic bag with a few small holes rubber banded over the rad filler can work.