I'm starting with a high flow water pump..The 3 row alum rad is fairly new and restrictions/clogs are not an issue..it cools nicely down the road. I also will work on the shroud and seal any air gaps between it and rad. I also "may" remove the stat so there is nothing to restrict the flow and "IF" it cools I'll reinstall it to see if it makes a difference.
If you remove the stat you need to put a restrictor in it's place, water full flowing thru the block/heads is not going to do what it is supposed to do ... transfer the heat from the iron as efficiently as possible.
Personally it's a test that is wasting your time and effort as you aren't going to leave it that way.
Car will not stay cool while in traffic for a reasonable amount of time.
Describe what you consider a reasonable amount of time is please ...
