the temp gauge should be approximately in the centre, but make sure the water pump is in good shape and that the thermostat has not been removed, also make sure you are using the correct radiator for your car with the bent filler neck - the neck is what causes the level to stay above the engine otherwise the system will air lock and overheat (heat + water + air = boil => bad)
Most - nearly 99.999% of these civics have been repaired on every jugaar known in the book, so make sure you know what to look for.
the cooling fans also need to be checked for airgaps around the shroud, the original shrouds got corroded by lack of maintenance and trying to use other motors in it, If its not sealed around its periphery the fan will suck air from the sides and not through the radiator resulting in overheating.