BBC coolant problem

[geometryjeff]

Hi, 68 Camaro twenty year build at standstill. Background: 502 crate installed new in 98. Ran fine til tranny broke on HRPT in 2002. Pulled motor and put on engine stand for 20 years indoor storage. Didn't do any prep for long term other than removing carb and taping off manifold and dizzy hole. Now car overheating after short drive. Engine fan on edelbrock SWP with new AL rad and shroud. Heater eliminated with plugs at intake and WP; bypass connected.
Engine only taking 2 1/2 gal of coolant. Drained and flushed system with water hose connected between SWP and intake and no t-stat. Ran engine til water was clear at rad neck. Drained system and filled engine thru manifold t-stat hole til topped off. Only took 2 gal. Installed t-stat housing without t-stat and connected upper hose. Filled radiator to 1" below neck. Only took 1/2 gal more.
Since system should take more, what are some non-invasive tests to find cause?
Any suggestions appreciated. Thx
Jeff

[srode]

Running hot when? On the highway or stopped or?

[geometryjeff]

Took it for about 5 mile test drive half in town (25/35 mph) and half open road (45/55 mph). Autometer gage at 180 (180 t-stat). Sitting in drive rose slightly while running then went to 200 after shutting down. Engine compartment seems really hot. Touching valve covers roughly same front and back but fuel is percolating. Recently moved fuel lines away from headers but braided lines feel hot. -6 from stealth pump to regulator and -8 return. Holley 650 double pumper.
Still confused about minimum coolant capacity.

[dhutton]

That stealth fuel pump is likely heating the fuel, aggravating your issue.

Don