Gentlemen, I have at least found where the water is entering the oil pan.
Dropped the pan, got underneath and had my brother pour water into the thermostat hole and watched for it to come out. It did. Right in front - a steady trickle.
There is a 3/8" hole on the front of the #1 cylinder that looks to be even with/connected to the upper bolt hole for the power steering bracket. It is located just below the piston bore although still in the cylinder but below the piston head, about 3" up from the bottom of the engine. Do you know about this hole? It seems to be solo - no matching hole in cylinder #2.
I had thought I'd put all the bolts back where they came from but maybe I messed up and put one there that was too short? But it is a timing cover-only hole...
Is there somewhere in between the timing cover and water jacket I might have missed?
Am I any closer?