Dumb question (about intake manifold gasket) for the day

Ok, so I'm doing my intake manifold again, for the THIRD time. Trial and error, I'm learning. It seemed to be running great before, but I noticed a vacuum leak on the side of the intake. I just got done heli-coiling all the head mounts, I want to make sure this is the LAST TIME I take this thing off. Now, my question. The block has 2 studs, to hold the gasket in place, note the picture below. I am installing a performer intake. The original intake had drill-outs for these studs, but the performer does NOT have the cutouts for it on the mating surface. Should I remove the studs? Should I still use the cork gaskets that came with the intake gasket kit? Dude at advance said not to even bother with them, use RTV instead. I want some advice though, my wife is coming home soon and this is my daily driver! Thanks ahead of time!

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