So its still fck'd up then? That suxxx, I would have for sure been on a rampage to get it fixed. That engine would have been out of the car immediately when I could not have found the problem, torn apart, inspected and put back together already!
This here is a great example of a good reason to run your engines on the dyno or at least out of the car on a break in stand. Would be worth the $500.00 for sure.
I am very curious what you will find out that caused this problem for you.