Weird Overheating Issue

[mopar73dge]

The top hose should be much hotter than the bottom hose with proper flow after the thermostat opens, I think your not flowing, something changed when you did all the work, I new tight engine will run hotter until it breaks in but should not over heat,

 

[coloradodave]

It would be very strange, if not impossible for the engine to actually reach 220* within 3 minutes of firing. I suspect that the sender is not sitting in coolant, that is, you have an air pocket. I would remove the thermostat and drill a few 1/8" holes in the flat rim to allow any trapped air to escape while filling the system. Also, make sure the thermostat is installed with the 'pill' toward the engine. The temperature gun will confirm actual temperature when you point it at the thermostat housing.
Good luck.

 

[BeeKool]

If you exhaust all other approaches. Take the thermostat out and see if it continues to heat up right away.
Your temp gun will help you answer some questions regarding the accuracy of your gauges.
In my experiences, engines have never heated up that quickly unless there was a major blockage in the coolant flow. (Stuck or backwards thermostat or plugged radiator) even a cracked head or block required some load on the motor before she got hot. Im not sure about an improperly assemble head gasket, never had that thrown at me. Knock on wood