Aluminum intake install - 340
I disagree on being a crappy one though there are better.
Suggesting he dump it for a better one is unhelpful.
To answer the question, test fit the intake by simply putting it on with the gaskets in place without the intent of sealing it up for good. Just see how it fits on and bolt it down. No need to torque it down, just run the attaching bolts down. Check for distributor clearances. It should go in and come out easy without hitting the rear of the intake. Then remove the distributor and intake.
If there’s any issue, correct the. Now before you open up the RTV.
When you lay down the RTV, you should have noted how much space is on the China walls. The water coolant passages should receive a reasonable amount to make the seal but not a crazy amount of RTV is needed. Apply a generous amount to the corners as they tend to leak if not enough is there. Run the RTV towards the outside edge of the China rails or in the middle, not the inside edge.
Start all the bolts, tighten them down all around until the bolt head just touches the intake, the. Torque them down starting from the middle working your way to the ends alternating side to side and then left to right. This tightens the intake from the middle outwards setting the intake down evenly.
When you start the engine up, check for oil leaks at the ends and look in the corners. It is possible to use the plastic tip of the RTV tube to get more RTV i to the corners and on the rails if you find a leak. Clean it up well before adding more RTV. Brake clean can help here with the plastic red straw attached to clean up the oil since the RTV will sit on top of the oil and possibly not seal.