Yea I did apply some permatex when I had popped the freeze plug out but maybe not enough or not the right area.

I'm constantly monitoring the coolant temp because prior to my overhaul, I had a bad radiator and was over heating, and the leaking coolant wasn't helping either. But so far it has been holding temp around 186-194 I haven't seen it gone highe than that yet. But also isn't very hot summer yet or have gone on long drives yet. My long term plan is to source a low mileage used engine and do a complete rebuild on the side, so that when the engine goes, I can swap it out. In the mean time hopefully bars stop leak will do.