[donraye]

No, it was not having the head gaskets on the wrong way (front to back) but it was a combination of two other issues.
>1: The timing was a bit too retarded as I had not set it where I thought I had.
>2: The plug boots actaully contacted the headers on two of the cylinders, so the heat exchange there is direct not radiant. There was no way to avoid the contact

Solution 1: Got the timing set correctly to about 34 degrees total/10 degrees advance.
Solution 2: Bought a set af ACCEL "Shorty Plugs for Headers". They are about 3/8" shorter than standard and this allows the 135 degree bend in the boots to start closer to the heads and further away from the header bend thus avoiding direct contact with the header. Also am using 1,200 heat shield boot covers for extra protection on all 8 plugs/boots, and have the boots on the "problem cyls." wrapped with 2,000 degree "Thermo Shield" reflective material as well. Probably over kill but it can't hurt.
Thanks to all for your input and help. We're now on the way to the Dyno for a tune but the car is driving/running fine now.
Don