I guess I should clarify that...I had to remove some additional hoses and piping which the prior owner ran from the radiator outlet rearward, curved around the
oil pan and came forward on the passenger side, across the crossmember and finally into the engine! I asked him what was the logic with that and he thought if it had more volume of fluid it would help cool it. I felt it probably did more harm than good and removed it, especially after seeing that the hoses used in this set up collapsed whenever the engine revved up. So, yes the system was pretty much empty when I put everything back in a normal configuration. There was also no thermostat in the housing--just an old one with the valve removed essentially acting as an orfice plate. I took this out and as you described did just what you said--180 degree with a small burp hole drilled.