Update. I checked on the fans again and it turns out that they do turn on right at 212. I just didn't hear them until 226 when they turn on high. so it looks like the fans are operating correctly. The radiator didn't look dirty, aside from a bug here and there, but I degreased and sprayed it out anyway for good measure. Still struggling with cooling well enough.
I think it's safe to say I likely have a blockage somewhere. I'm going to do the LIM one of these weekends after I come up with the cash for the upgrades as well. I'll block off the intake holes on the heads and CLR+pressure water through all of the ports for coolant and make sure they are clear. Hopefully that does it.
