The head gaskets very rarely ever go on Series II and III 3.8's. You really have to overheat them before you can get them to blow, but by then the motor would probably develop other problems. I'd say just find the cause first since 2 shops said it was the head gasket. That's still not making the odds very high in my opinion though. Did you look specifically around the intake manifold and radiator hoses? You'll see it pooled up my the intake since there's a lower area it can sit in. The intake gaskets should be replaced no matter what since they will go at some point, they're plastic. The new lower gaskets are aluminum. And yes the elbows should be done for sure, the upper goes into the upper intake so you'll have to remove it anyway. Oh wait, you're S/Ced, I'm not sure exactly how they're routed then, my car is naturally aspirated.(It's what I'm used to)
