trying to identify what could be the core problem in my constant above 100C running engine.

here is the history-
-When I bought the car, it was running cold, 50C.
-Installed new thermostat, no change.
-verified that the gauge end of the temp sensor setup was good by grounding the lead wire to the block, which pegged it, and (I assume) indicated that the ground in the dash was good.
-replaced the temp sender with a spare used one, and it instantly started reading at around 100C when up to temp.
-Ordered a new sender, and replaced it, and the new one read 45C!
-took the KNOWN good sender out of my 240 and installed it, and it reads 105-115C on average!
-Verified this final temp with a temp gun, the engine appears to be operating at around 230-240 degrees when up to temp.

So far, ive flushed the cooling system a few times, replaced the radiator and water pump, pulled out and inspected the thermostat housing, and water pump housing for blockages, and each time, it runs a hair hotter on the gauge, and this is after its fully purged all air out of the system.

The engine runs well, starts well, and does not have a head gasket issue (yet), but it runs extremely hot, and so far, Im still not sure why. Could I have a massive blockage in the block itself somewhere? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

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