Thanks everybody, I'm gonna go with some sealant this time for sure.
Also, I purchased a installer kit instead of using a socket to drive them home. I used a 1 1/8 socket for the 1 5/8 plugs. It fit just inside the lip, and read many posts where people had no issue with this.
I did find a few articles that stated these plugs are better tapped in using the tool that applies the force on the rim of the cup, instead of the inner edges around the rim like the large socket does.
I'll be taking the carb, intake, and headers off the engine again tomorrow and take a good look at the holes to make sure they are as clean as I can get them before I drive the new ones home.
