OK Boys...here goes:
It appears the problem was the water pump all along. I replaced it with an Edelbrock and the car runs great! Took it out last night for about an hour spin and it never rose above 150.
Oil running about 175 with good pressure.
I am glad I went through this exhaustive exercise because I found small potential problems that had to be addressed: Silicon in the fuel, Silicone in the heads, failing fuel pump, radiator with small hole.
Anyway I'm back up an running and a very happy camper.
Roscoe