why does it idle but not take fuel
Vacuum leaks can be really tricky to find. I hope your new intake gaskets solve your problem but keep in mind others that may crop up - like old cracked vacuum lines.
Years ago I changed intake manifolds on my old 340 Swinger and couldn't find a vacuum leak. The carb mounting area was drilled for both Holley and the stock Carter carbs. I'd put a Holley 750 on it and it turned out one of the Carter bolt holes had been drilled too deep and broke into the plenum area. The hole was only partially covered by the Holley gasket and carb.
Those vacuum leaks can be sneaky and cause all sorts of devilish problems.
