Ouch - that's a large mistake...I wouldn't fire it up until corrected. These engines rely on stock specs for thermostat (
unless they've been chipped and can be tuned against something lower, but I've not heard of anyone using less than a 180° stat even when going that route).
If the fan isn't cutting in (
it's two speed, by the way), then it can run hot. See my previous comment about the ECT/IRCM, but a code reader can help decide what to focus on without just guessing and throwing part$ at it.
Resist the temptation to use basic troubleshooting instincts and repair tactics with these cars - they are different animals and rarely respond well if you take that risk.
When you said it was running hot from when you picked it up, did that include the fan not working correctly before you opened the cooling system to change the stat? I'd not worry about an air pocket now if it didn't...you can deal with that later.
I would install a new stock 195° stat [
see comment #6 in this previous thread:
http://www.sccoa.com/forums/showthread.php?63644-180-degree-thermostat-Why&p=418314#post418314 ], but not until you have more info on why the fan isn't working correctly, as there may be other reasons to have the cooling system open again (
and other parts needed) and you don't want to go thru the process of bleeding all the air more times than necessary.