Question about cleaning/prepping heads for intake gasket intallation

[bobs73challenger]

Hi everyone,

Not sure if this should continue in my "intake manifold replacement" thread or if it needs a new one.  Apologies if I jumped the gun by creating a new thread!

I've got the old manifold off and the gaskets removed.  All the RTV, everything.  I've hit the mating surfaces with rag doused in brake cleaner.  There's not any gasket residue left. 

Despite the fact that there is no gasket residue left, the mating surfaces are still pretty grimy.  I've attached a photo of each head (if it will help). 

The scratch test indicates that I should be fine, but should I be doing something else to make sure the heads are prepped for the new intake/gasket as best as I can?

Also, the new gasket (mr gasket) doesn't line up exactly with the bottom of the head -- all the ports and bolts match without a problem (and exhaust crossover passages blocked) but the bottom of the gasket sticks out.  The gasket itself also doesn't follow the contour of the bottom of the head.  Is this okay? 

I've attached pictures of each head and a shot of the gasket question.  You can see that the bottom edge of the gasket is straight across, while bottom edge of the head is not. 

I'm starting to feel like I'm over thinking this, but I've never done an intake manifold before and want to make sure I do it right. 

Thank you!

Bob

[cudabob496]

I think you are looking good for install!
But have one of the engine builders chime in!

[Chryco Psycho]

you are good to go , there are always imperfections on the surface which is why there is a gasket , the bootm edge is fine as is also .

[Jesus H Chrysler]

I'm not seeing any issues.  What you point out is typical.  It's easier to make a rectangle gasket, than to contour it to the bottom of the head, where it's not sealing anything anyway.  As far as the cleanliness of the heads, you sometimes get a "ghost" impression of the former gasket on the head surface.  As long as it's scraped thoroughly you should be fine.  It's almost impossible to scrape the impression off.  If you have access to air tools and some "cookies" (3M Roloc discs or equivalent) you can clean the ghost impression off.  Also depending on the gasket I use the red gasket spray to make them tacky so they won't slide around when putting the intake on.  Haven't had a leak yet when using it properly.