The alignment rings can be obtained for $10 bucks and shipping.

https://www.ecklersearlychevy.com/c...216-and-235-ci-6-cylinder-1949-1953.html

Bad vacuum leak, try a rim flex gasket. They work really well. Really the best gasket I have ever used with my Clifford headers.

http://catalog.remflex.com/CHEVROLET_GM_CHEVY_Header_Exhaust_Manifold_Gasket_p/2027.htm


Mike