[Suby Fan]

ok when you replaced the thermostat did you check to see if the teeth on the water pump are still in good shape???... it sounds like when the mech-a-nic that banged in that other thermostat might have damaged the blades enough to that under normal driving conditions it still provides enough flow.... until you over load the engine by driving the car in 2nd gear... just a thought before you replace the engine... check it by popping off the thermostat and bump starting the car with the ignition or fuel system disabled