The PO had just bent the studs to make them line up.
It takes more than just bent studs to get a 216 intake to bolt up to a 235 exhaust. The "wedge" is there because the two surfaces don't fit together. That's because the studs won't bend closer together where they are threaded into the exhaust. So it keeps the two apart.
Also, if I remember correctly, the PO also drilled a new hole on the other side/bolt side, of the intake.
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=714457&page=2Hey Cosmo,
Wouldn't it be easier and look better too, if a 235 intake was used with the 235 exhaust. If you want the 216 carb then just drill new/closer carb mounting studs on the 235 intake. Or some have made the wider holes on their 216 carb so it fit the 235 intake.
