[mr0077]

Steve, hate to say it but I think you're right, sounds like a head gasket. There is a kit available like litmus paper that will detect the presence of combustion byproducts in the coolant, I guess you could confirm it with that stuff. If you can't find it at the local parts place, call a good radiator shop (West End Radiator located at I-10 and Westcott did the test for me). They maybe could test a sample of coolant or tell you where to get the test kit.
Ugh, hate to hear this, but that recurring air in the system and the very fast temp rise are the classic symptoms of a blown gasket. And we were hoping to see your car at the next meet!
Keep us up to date...