TOPIC:

So I'm replacing the old dried out rubber cam end plugs in the head with new aluminum ones this weekend.  What do you guys suggest - 3M weatherstrip adhesive or high temp silicone to seal them to the cutouts in the head?  (The gasket joint to the valve cover in that area will get a thin coat of silicone)

I'd use high temp engine RTV.  Coat the round area, just before install of the valve cover.

Another thing to watch for is the fit. As you push the plug in it may bind at the lower portion of the head. If you measure the wall thickness it is thinner at the top of the half moon and thicker at the bottom of the head. The plug will bind. I end up having to file the ends slightly so to plug fiits nicely. I also use a small amount of high temp silicon. Never had one fit without binding

Same here 

Yep, for many years the same, never a problem