Carb manifold sealing, use phenolic spacer or not Options

[North Coast Jim]

Engine is out and I'm doing some investigations. Bought a set of Redline 40 IDFs for the engine build. They've run OK but not great. Couldn't keep lean idle set properly. drivability an issue, pops and backfires at times. Jetting changes made no difference. Suspected gasket air leaks. Should have done the starting fluid check but didn't.

While the engine is out took the manifolds off from the heads. The gasket as supplied from Redline is a thick phenolic (?) spacer with paper adhered to both sides. Found a defect in each one at both ports. Near the top of each port the phenolic has a defect - a void. The paper on each side covers the defect but does not seal the intake. Found evidence of a leak path at this area

Question - do I need the phenolic spacers ?? Can't find them on line as single replacement parts. Read of a need to keep the carbs from heat soaking but the manifolds are aluminum and are 5" tall. Don't see a need for them. Am I correct in this analysis ??

Was thinking of using .060" gaskets with Permatex red (min film deposit ) at this interface instead. What wisdom can you all impart.

Thanks for any and all input

[80cap]

I just had the same problem
I bought new gaskets from Pelican and noticed that the AA Performance head on #2 cylinder was not machined correctly. I carefully resurfaced the manifolds and installed them, torqued them to 15 Lbs. Next time I pull the engine down I will have the port welded , rebored and machined flat. I found the leak by spraying starter fluid at the base of the manifold.