Yeah, I've checked and checked and accepted that in the S/89 the check valve is in fact off the 4 way right off the mani...now I just have to find a good/working check valve. In the interrim with a crappy *** autozone part, I need to figure out which darn direction the flow is supposed to go. But, seems like I'm finally getting to the bottom of the gremlins...now that I know I need the check valve, and where I need it, have ordered a new aux water pump and rad cap, and have accepted that the brakes are actually OK, just a very HOT compound needing some serious heat to work properly, I think I might actually be nearing a point where I feel comfortable putting some extras on the car =)

Joy!