How do you seal your small block intake?

This subject has been a touchy one for me. Last intake I did leaked. I have been trying to finish up my 416 build and have been stuck on two things - the intake and oil pan. I will address the intake here, I'll start another thread for the oil pan.

So again, the last intake I put on was a leaker. I had coolant coming from the left side passage and running down the front to the top of the timing cover and pooling there.

So being a little uneasy about this since my last time was a fail, I want to make sure I get this right before the motor goes in the car. What I am looking for is a DEFINITIVE method to prevent leaks.

Couple things first - cork gaskets or not? I mocked it up and saw that I can not really use the cork gaskets. I know most guys toss em' but I wanted to see if it was feasible to use them since I am not a big fan of using tons of silicone. Unfortunately with the cork end gaskets in place, the intake is way off on one side or the other, like almost an 1/8" between the intake mating surface and head which obviously won't work.

Conversely, there is a pretty big gap between the bottom of the intake and the block surface without the cork end gaskets, again, like an 1/8". I presume this is par for the course and where the silicone is used to make up the difference. So OK, we've established that I need to use the silicone which is fine.

The next concern is the corners where the intake gaskets meet the block. I believe my leak last time came from a lack of sealant around the coolant passage in the head. Again, I am not a huge fan of silicone so I may have not used enough. Exactly what is the best procedure here though? Do you put the silicone around the coolant passage and then lay the intake gasket on top of that? I am planning on using sticky tack stuff to set the gasket in place so it stays put so if I put that down first, then what happens with the silicone around the coolant passage? Do you smear inside the gasket around the port? This is the part that has my panties all in a bunch, just can't get a good grip on that part.

My last concern is the little tabs on the head gaskets. I know they are supposed to interlock into the cork end rails but if you're not using them, then what happens with those? Do you cut 'em off or leave 'em on buried by sealant? Seems like a perfect place for a leak to happen if you don't seal them up perfectly. And then, how far up the head does your sealant go? Does it go on top of the intake gasket or smear it underneath?

When I was working on engines at the dealership, we would smear the gray stuff pretty good from the point where the head meets the block. We'd put a big bead in the corner then smear upwards. I don't recall how it worked with the intake gasket though.

Sorry to split hairs but I need straight forward instruction. I tend to overthink this crap and need to keep it simple. Pics would be super helpful as well.

BTW, I have "The Right Stuff" that comes in the Cheeze Whiz can or Ultra Black.

Here are some pics. First is the intake installed on my previous motor that leaked, then where I am at now and my areas of concern. Thanks for any input.