Thanks for the tips guys!
It's a LA SB 72 360, I tried to pry it fre by the water inlet (steel) with no luck. I need more leverage.
"i prefer not to wedge anything on a machined surface (head/intake meet). "
I agree with Goody. I am very reluctant to pry pr wedge anything to a mating machined surface.
I figured a good couple of taps should at least loosen it's grip, but it is also sealed in place with silicone/foam gasket.
I'll keep at it and let you know.
I plan on pulling the intake cover off, blasting and cleaning the I.M. and then coating it in silver paint.
I won't reassemble things until I have all of the parts, gaskets and components painted. I am a sucker for detail.....
Dan