i just re read the entire thing. i believe that, coolant pressure test, compression test, block and everything has been mention FAILURE, did you attempt any of these procedures?
Everything is right there on how to check it the correct way not how to half ass it. If you are out of work and need the car then i would spend the time you have on these posts, tearing the car down and repairing it the right way than trying to find a way around it.
But if you wanna a huge short cut, NOT A SUGGESTION OR RECOMMENDATION FOR ANYONE, remove thermostat, drain coolant, remove radiator cap, open bag of cement pour into radiator, add water, run car, let set, get back on computer and find a bus schedule. PURELY SARCASM
Without properly diagnosing you engine and correctly fixing it its not more than a boat anchor.
This thread is way off now, but it is here for advice and help, from people with experience in these engines.