Q&A

I wounder if its got a blown head gasket. The most accurate way to test for a blown head gasket on a gasoline engine is to test for the presence of carbon monoxide in the cooling system. Snap-On, Matco (part # CO 2000), and Napa sell a tool to check to carry out this test. Another link to a supplier of this tool is http://www.etoolcart.com/combustion-leak-detector-lis7550.... Carbon Monoxide is only present if there is a blown head gasket or cracked cylinder head. http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/head_gasket_or_combustio... I think the napa part number 700-1006. http://www.blockchek.com/instructions.htm . Signs of a blown head gasket are coolant loss (frequently have to top up the coolant level of the engine without seeing an obvious leak), experiencing over heating or rough engine running or the presence of white sweet smelling steam from the exhaust. A badly blown head gasket may allow engine coolant and oil to mix.

taking the thermostat out will cause the car to overheat. not a good idea. i agree with pat, you probably have internal engine damage.

Roy

if its got little power you could have a stopped up catalatic converter If you checked all the cooling system correctly listen to the exhaust while someone races the engine see if it sounds clogged up. if so either drop the exhaust pipes or drill a small hole in the pipes right in front of the catalatic converters I believe it has 2.

I had a similar problem. When the car is cold, remove the coolant cap and start the car up. Let it run until the water starts to circulate. Fill the coolant reservoir up and let it keep running. When your fans come on, see if it still overheats. This may be the solution because after cooling system work, the system sometimes becomes air locked and will not allow circulation. starting with the coolant cap removed, makes the system open.
As for the loss of power, try changing your mass air flow sensor. It is located right after the air filter.
Hope this helps