I finished installing my new engine, its a 385 and I have no tuning. I originally started my car without the thermostat to make sure it stays cool for any problems and I am only using water to make sure my oil doesnt turn into milk from any leaks inside the block, and there are none. I put my 160* therm in and the temp shot up in 5 seconds. I took it back and and it doesnt shoot up, but gets hot and doesnt stay cool. Im constantly losing water, although there are no leaks.

I took it out to load the pistons against the cylinder walls, went great. Stayed easy on it, kept it under 3k rpms, no more than 30-35% acceleration also. However, As I was on my street heading home, something start to knock around as I engage my clutch, and it happens when I come to a complete stop. Sounds like something is knocking around the axle.

Does any of this sound like a common problem with anything? I am going to check the car later. I'm waiting for my brother to take a listen since i have a hearin loss.