intake manifold gasket and installation

Yup. Get everything ready, and right before you plop the intake on, lay a nice thick bead front and rear, and drop the manifold carefully in place with a MINIMUM of fussing. Waste no time in getting the bolts at least snug, and give it a quick inspection to be sure it's got enough RTV to seal.

Tighten the bolts down, then take a towel or your finger and smooth the beads front/ rear.

On some manifolds, you MUST examine the overhang on the front corner to be sure it's sealed. Somewhere, there's a photo of an Edlebrock intake that is very poorly made in this regard.