The water pump is new, and was changed with the timing belt.
(belt shredded before i put the new one on)
The water pump rotated fine, was not loose but spun about one and half turns smoothly.)

so any thoughts on a next step?

I think everything covered is running ok (except maybe the water pump)

I was think of trying thermostat first to see if that might be it, but any suggestions on why there is no power when accelerating.

or could it be something other then the two above making it overheating,

 

Confused.

You put the new pump on with the new timing belt? If so, did you add enough coolant when refilling the system? It is possible to add coolant to overflow but be a quart or more low in the system. This will cause steam to occur and the symptoms you see.

Investigate this issue, fix the overheating problem first.

A stuck closed T-stat will cause the engine to overheat as it warms up a idle. Suggest once you make sure the coolant system if full. Run the engine until warmed up, this will be evident when the radiator fans turn on.

 

Okay, I fixed the over heating problem, it was a broken thermostat. easy fix, now on the the hesitation and low power. I changed the Spark plugs, Wires, and Distributor cap. seem to fix the problem. Now it runs fine... sorta of.......
It has ample power when gass pressed, run normal when driving, but when i rev the engine in neutral it with kinda almost stop.... but then go back to normal idle... this only happens when i hit the gas in neutral. in the process, the MAF (Mass Air Flow sensor) was broke but i soldered the wires back on the circuot board, so it seems fine works now. And now the Engine light is on.
anymore suggestions? thanks for helping so far, still not in shop, cant let the wife win yet..........

 

If the check engine light is on, check the troublecodes.

The AutoZone website should have the procedure to check the codes in the sites vehicle repair guide section.