have your machinist deck the intake on both sides to match the amount removed from the block. I think you stated .007 was removed when the block was decked.
ok i will do this, but i just wanted to ask if this could negatively affect the situation? or is this the only way to be sure that things will line up properly?
i think i'm going to take it down to the shortblock and start over again with heads and intake just to make sure i have things 100% right this time. i just don't feel to good about the torque on the heads.
If your tq was not right on the heads you would get coolant in the oil and/or performance issues. It sounds like you need to just simply get the correct gaskets and use the correct sealants and RTV. You may even have a lower intake issue.