To cut or not to cut intake gasket

[gpdcop]

First, I appricate all those who have helped me with my questions of late. I have another one. Getting ready to put the TBI intake manifold on, and the gasket that I purchased is stamped, "do not cut". The Haynes manual states to cut the intake to clear the push rods. I really do not loosen and adjust all of the push rods, but I do not want to cut the gasket only to have it fail. Any suggestions????

[geoffinbc]

Don't cut the gasket. Never trust a Haynes manual over factory instructions or common sense. Cutting the gasket can allow excess movement when installing and torquing the manifold down. This could lead to a premature leak.

Just re lash all the rocker afterwards. It only takes an extra half hour or so even when you do it the long way.

[gpdcop]

You know...once I got to looking at it again, even cutting would not allow for the gasket to be installed. I have no idea what the authors of Haynes were thinking. In the S10&S15 manual section 2D-4 paragraph 33. Thanks betterthanyou.