This is where I said to verify the intake manifold gaskets. Lay them on the head and observe if the gaskets are able to seal around the entire intake port of each port.
Big Block Chevy heads come in many configurations: round port (yucky old grain truck and school bus stuff,) oval port (much better for low to mid-high horsepower engines, with many easily reaching 550hp these days,) and rectangular port (the stuff of muscle car legends and the pinnacle of today's big blocks.)
Any mismatch is absolutely verboten!
Each step in every last mechanical task, be it replacing a tire, rewiring an ECM connector, or rebuilding an engine MUST BE DELIBERATE AND HAVE ABSOLUTE ATTENTION TO DETAIL. Mistakes happen all on their own without help.
Tip: If you are looking at a particular gasket, and it isn't clear which way it is to be installed, look for a part number on it. Part numbers on gaskets are either placed up, facing out or facing forward. Even after 35 years as a journeyman, I still look for the instruction sheet and see if the print date is recent - as if someone has taken the time to rewrite and print off a new set of instructions for the customer, it is worth reading to see if there have been some changes in procedure.