Good plan on the water outlet, C(... A few years back I priced the whole radiator hose from AN fittings and stainless braid and got really scared by the price. Made my own outlet for the manifold (1" aluminum) and put a threaded fitting on the radiator I found in one of the local sprint car racers wrecked parts pile, and a hose from eBay....Still on the car and still leak free!!!!

Brian, looks like the junk parts bug bit you. Heck, It gets all of us once in awhile.... Allready this summer I've seen a couple import intake manifolds so pourous they have a vacuum leak thru the casting, and a couple bad water necks like yours.....leakers right out of the package... Always good to see a bit of reinforcement of the old, "you get what you pay for" . Friend on mine in Texas has a sign in his shop, "I'll never argue with a shop that sells their parts for less, they obviously know what they are worth".

PS--It's right beside the sign that says "All shoplifters will be cheerfully beaten to a bloody pulp" sign.......