intake gasket questions

I'd plan on pulling the distributor out. For 2 reasons: 1) The rear manifold bolts are a pain to get to, especially if the car has the stock throttle cable bracket and/or kick-down lever. 2) The rear of the manifold (as well as the front) is going to be "glued" in place and will require putty knives or some kind of prybar to break it loose.