How do you successfully install intake/exhaust gasket?

As far as from what I have read and what I plan to do ( with a spare head that I have ) is install the three intake to exhaust manifold mounting hardware ( in the hot-box area ) loosely and then install the manifolds onto head, get them snugged down to where they need to be and then tighten the hot-box studs to the proper torque.

Using a die grinder removing a bit of material from the manifold around these hard to reach areas will really help the situation.

Remove the manifolds as one unit and have them re-surafaced. Evidently you will be able to use the Fel-Pro gasket since the surfaces will be true.