Intake manifold gasket installation help

Gentlemen, First off I really do appreciate the feedback and the input, that's why I'm on this list. My take on NOT using cork was that it was easier to just use RTV and ditch the cork because it could slip out of position when torquing down. To alleviate that issue, I used the 3M gasket adhesive to tack the cork down, and used in conjunction with RTV in the corners and on the water ports to assure a good seal. There was no squirming of the cork as I tightened the bolts down, the gaskets stayed in position nicely, and the finished result looks good. I'm restoring this car, the engine is original to the car, which is rare, so I do tend to stick with factory parts and methods. Engine paint will also adhere to cork much better than it will to RTV, so there's that.

So, reading after the fact that cork deteriorates came as somewhat of a surprise. Why would Fel-Pro use cork if it deteriorates from long term exposure? Many would say, "Fel-Pro is in the gasket business, that's how they make their money" or "RTV didn't exist in 1965", I agree with both those thoughts. A number of posters prefer using only RTV, I get it, but it was not unanimous. I may rethink using the cork gaskets and pull the intake, redo it using only RTV on the ends instead of cork, but I am not in a hurry, my car is still in the body shop and the owner and employee both got COVID so nothing has been done on it for several months, I have time. I also can't get more of the VHT SP155 chrysler red engine paint I like because of raw material shortages ( I contacted them). At this point I have it on the stand, It'll be there a while, I've learned projects like this don't always go smoothly, it takes patience, dedication and help from others that are in the same boat. I'm still grateful to be here.