Mike,
Before you do anything else, do the cylinder leak check and cooling system pressure test. Immediately after that OIL THE CYLINDERS. Even if you can't find any evidence of coolant in the combustion spaces, do this. It is cheap and it can keep you from having to do major work to the engine (if it doesn't need it now.)
The BB Chevys were know to be weak in the cylinder head joint and if you didn't really cook it, a head and intake gasket may be all you need.
Keep your fingers crossed.
I was the aftermarket for McCord Gasket for a few years.
Matt
