To seal or not the intake to head coolant ports?

[67ChevyRedneck]

I did an intake 3 years ago by using permatex (black?) around the water jackets (both sides - just a light skim coat) then a thick 1/4"+ bead on the front and back. Let it get a tacky "skin" on it. I then torque in sequence to half spec the first time (should be available somewhere online, usually from the center out), then full the second time. Let it sit overnight and do it again the next day. I pulled that intake off recently to replace it with a 4 barrel and not only did it pop off cleanly, but the gaskets looked new still. Made putting the 4 barrel on much easier.

*ALSO* TEST FIT everything. Couple problems I've run into (on Ford and GM) - The new intake had tabs that hit my valve covers (on SBC). WAY easier to grind off when it's off the motor. An aftermarket intake was "taller" than my stock one so the intake bolts were too short (on a SBF). Distributor hit (again, on a SBF).

So, just dry fit everything and look for problems.