This is normal.This area is the heat cross over for the exhaust.What you should do is buy the felpro block off plates to stop the exhaust from traveling through the manifold.Or make some .005-.010 thick metal plates to silicone over the holes.This will give you more power and less gas being burnt up by hot exhaust going through the manifold.If you do not drive the car in the winter its better to do this,as it will give you a bit more power and better fuel milage.The cut out area is to reduce heat over the exhaust port for the intake and stop oil from crusting on top of the port in the valve cover!Mrmopartech