Got my gasket kit on Friday, and I wanted to start putting my motor back
together.

What should I be coating (if anything) the gaskets with during assembly?

I am replacing the

Head Gasket
Gasket associated with the head
Exhaust plate gaskets

The reason I ask, is that whoever rebuilt the engine before, used TONS of
what appears to be some sort of silicone. The must have been more silicon
than gasket!

Any tips/guidelines would be appreciated.

Jim