Gutted the thermostat, ran it again, until it started making a noise that resembles rod knock a little too much so I turned it off and drained the oil. Massively discouraged and disappointed.
Temperature seemed to stay under control but I didn't get enough run time to really tell. It go to about 190F before the knocking started. Checked torque converter bolts (well just one) and it was still tight. Knocks more when on throttle, less at idle speed.
I dunked the old thermostat in boiling water before gutting it, and it opened up. It was a 180F stat.
I'd say total run time is maybe 15 minutes, split in two about equal long stints. Wonderful oil pressure. Did not rev it up very high, did not let it idle either. Guessing 1500-2500 rpms, no tachometer.
Wondering if there's still a damn stink bug in the oil gallery somewhere, starving a rod. I bent over backwards to clean the engine block and kept all holes taped up until parts were bolted on
