Intake Gasket Question

I don't think you'll have a problem reusing that upper intake gasket. The upper intake is torqued so lightly that the gasket is probably in good shape. Again it is smart to have a spare. And what do you mean by cleaning the lower intake? Taking the lower intake off is making your job a hell of a lot longer. You will most likely need gaskets for that if you take it off, plus you need to drain coolant, and will need to use rtv on it. I wouldn't do it unless you are changing it.

Ditto xplo - he nailed it. Unless there's a good reason to do so or you're having problems with it, avoid removing the lower intake. Coolant has to be drained, cleaning the mating surfaces is a major pain, etc. To clean for the upper re-install, I usually stuff clean, lint free rags (not paper towels - they can tear off down in the port) in each of the ports so that debris won't enter, and then clean the surface. Use a shop vac to suck up as much as you can, especially when slowly removing the rags. No more than 10 ft-lbs on the upper to lower bolts; start with the two in the middle work your way out - first 5, then up to 10. Here's a tip - from the hardware store (or that big container with a million bolts in it we all have) get two bolts the same as the shorter upper intake bolts. Cut the heads off and slot that end. Screw them into the front and rear lower intake holes on the passenger side. They will act as dowels - they'll hold the gasket in place, and allow you to easily position the upper. ONce it's in place, put 2 of the longer bolts in and get them started, then remove your temporary dowels, and put the regular bolts in. Works great for upper, lower, valve covers and headers - especially if you're working by yourself.