stubborn exhaust manifold gaskets Options

[87m491]

Finally swapping in SS heater boxes I acquired years ago and I can't budge the existing manifold gaskets. I have read and tried a few options, trying to leverage a pick under and edge and walk it out, no luck., the gasket is very tight against the engine. Trying to lever a screwdriver head against and gasket edge and the head to deform the gasket a touch except that my head's fin started to deform before the gasket! Any other tricks before I give up and just try reusing the gaskets that won't seem to come out?
Thx
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i.imgur.com-14731-1708433712.1.jpg)

[technicalninja]

I did mine in our 75 upside down.

They were stuck like a bitch too.

I used the cheapy harbor freight pick to clear around the perimeter of the copper ring and the parting line at the head exit FIRST.

Got all the carbon cleaned off and hit it with PB blaster. Let it sit over night.

Still stuck pretty well and I just worked the pick under the oval until they finally popped free.

You're still super dirty around the ring...