Thanks Drew! I didn't chase the threads because I don't have a dull tap (only sharp ones). But I did clean the threads with penetrant and compressed air. The bolts cleaned up nice on a wire wheel and I applied anti-sieze.
The gasket was very difficult to install, it was tight around the alignment sleeves. I just jammed it on anyhow, probably deforming the gasket a bit. Hopefully it seals. My gasket kit is for a 216 but the head is a 235.
The bolts I did up even and snug, but not over-tight. They can be tightened more later if they leak.
ManifoldWrong gasket
