My heads do not have dowel pins in them for locating the gasket.
I am using the threaded studs in the 4 center positions.
But I do appreciate all advice as this problem is really troubling me.
Corey
I just didn't remember if they had the dowels or not? Mine are stored away and I'm running AFR heads.
That entire scenario of installing the heads, the T/A intake and the shim head gaskets gave me very similar results to what you are going through. I had to strip it down three times PLUS twice for the head gaskets.
This is where for still undetermined reasons, by eliminating the cork gaskets, the leaks < plural, stopped.
The leaks were all in exactly the same location you are working on. The back of the driver side head/block/intake intersection.
It may be the iron Cleveland heads with the dowels to use the turkey tray? All, ancient history.
Incidentally, you need to let the RTV start to set up before you torque it down. That way less will get into the intake ports and less into the oil pan.