Doesnt your thermostat have a bleed hole? if it does you shouldnt have air pocket problems. (remember to put the interiour fan onto hot to help pull air out the coolant system)
What messed me up real bad a few times with my blown mitsu V6 was the temp sensor failing, it was like the engine would heat up REAL fast according to the gauge yet i had no presure or heat in the hoses, turns out AutoZone and Napa sensors suck and fail fast
How long does your car run before the needel says its overheating? and does your interiour fan run cold or hot in the hot position when u do this.
If that fails maybe start looking at your waterpump.