When I did mine under the flues I put 1 inch ceramic board throughout entire fire box. Full brick Monterey and cut to fit tight upto rails. That left 1 inch under the flues so I then ran ceramic blanket on top. 2 inches on the ramp. Have to replace every couple of years. Arch 8s 15 years old and still looks brand new.
30x8 Leader revolution, wood fired blower, steamaway/hood. 903 taps all but 54 on pipeline and 3 vacuum systems. Hauling sap this year with a 99 F350 7.3 diesel dump and of course back up is the Honda 450 and trailer.