Update - I happened to open the hood at just the right time at the end of a drive(hearing a hiss and seeing steam) to watch the stat to throttle body hose squirting away. I guess it was dumping the whole cooling system in my short commute (about 15 miles), which explains why I wasnt seeing puddles in the driveway.

Im going to fix some minor things this weekend, but with the cars' age, and my lack of $2500 to replace the motor, I doubt Ill be doing any major work, at least right away. Although any commentary on HG replacement would be welcome.

Thanks again,
Spy