If you are having issues like this it makes more sense to fill the radiator with water and no coolant. Much easier and cheaper to deal with. Ask me how I know. Just my $.02

Cheers, Mike

Hello ... Just a quick update regarding the head gasket leak issue.  This last week I purchased some ARP thread lubricant as recommended by Chickenman.  (FYI, $40 via O'reilly's vs $20 via Amazon ... "no brainer" here) Applied the lubricant to the head bolt threads and base of bolts and performed the three cycle torque sequence, inside to out, three passes (29, 40, 61 ft-lbs) Refilled the radiator (just water for now as recommended by Pop's Z) turned it over for a good 3-4 minutes and no leaks so far!  Real test will be when it actually starts ... unfortunately ran out of battery juice and time before getting it fired off and running ... managed to get a few pop's though.  Anyway next weekend should be the real test ... but at least some hope before having to make a choice to tear the engine down and removing the head ... I'll keep you posted ... Thanks for the suggestions/feedback!

Nick