Thanks. I wanted the setup to have good taste.
Ok, I've decided that a heater core isn't necessary just to get the engine test fired so I'll just hook up the beehive and rig up a quick rain guard engine cover so I can test run this beast. It's our rainy season here now so that's probably a good idea. I'll grab a few pictures when the hoses are hooked up.
I'll revisit the heater core once I've figured out a good location for it (and experience enough shrinkage to need a heater lol).