My welder guy who's been spliting 235 manifolds for years says to weld the riser in the closed position.
99 percent of the time it's closed as you are running and warmed up, closed position just protects the underside of the intake.


It's easier to get forgiveness than permission!
1946 1/2-Ton Chevy
1953 Chevy 3/4-ton Factory Stakebed