No...

Sometimes glycol can build in the radiator and cause flow issues. a good radiator shop can flush the rad out for a few bucks

Does the electric fan have a shroud?

 

Yup the electric fan has a shroud

 

did you get the head gasket in right? An ear from the head gasket should be visible from the front of the head right where the lower front head bolt goes through. one on each side

 

Head gaskets are on correct.

 

is it the same electric fan that you had when it was working well?

If yes you might consider placing a 180f T stat back in it as that would be proper for that engine.

Also are you sure its really getting hot? double checking the T stat housing with a non contact temp gun is a good idea as well.

 

Is it running lean? what do the plugs look like? No way a 289 with alum radiator should be overheating.

FWIW I always run mechanical fans. Yes I know they rob 5hp. 5hp doesn't matter. I even run them in the racecar. I'll take the increased drag over the risk of overheating and costing myself a good finish.

 

I'll pull the plugs this weekend.
Overall the trip from the repair shop to my house was 35 miles give or take.

 

Did you ask the question...What if the gauge just got flaky just for fun lets say it had a bad ground and it was giving inconsistent readings...Is that possible? Are you sure the answer is no? How are you sure?

 

In the fastback I had the original dash gauges working and added under dash gauges too.

 

So after reading all of your posts (thank you very much). I bought a mechanical fan and a fan shroud. Driving thru town sitting at stop lights temp got to 180, then back down to 170 once driving around. Totally happy with that. On the highway it runs 165 - 170 while going 65mph. Let's cross our fingers that my electric fan was just crapping out. Thanks guys. I was finally able to enjoy and cruise my car today.