I"ve installed all new glow plugs however when I fire it up in the morning, it runs on 8 for about 5 seconds, then 7 and then 6.

If I let it idle, it will start clearing up after about 3-5 minutes with the odd bang-a-lot-bang till it finally runs smooth and no more smoke.

If I do a relatively small brake stand, I can clear it up in about 10-15 seconds.

Do you suppose i have faulty glow plugs?

It's probably not plugs if they're new, maybe the controller? I'm not sure, we have just started into our 6.5 project.
Good Luck!

You may have to put a manual control on your GP's with your 18:1 engine. So you can give it a little extra heat when she starts to miss until she warms up.