So i did the dreaded intake manifold gasket repair due to oil leak and sludge on the back of the engine. Tear down went well and while i was getting to it i upgraded a few parts (list below), assembly seemed to go back together smoothly. Now when i went to crank it and set timing the oil leak has stopped BUT! the sides of the intake by the injectors have a massive vacuum leak. Double checked with smoke test and a spray can. The china wall was sealed with the right stuff and the gaskets were the felpro set. I know for a fact i set them in with the “this side up” facing me. I followed all the steps in the haynes manual with all the correct torque specs. So now i am at a road block and cannot think of a reason it would leak vacuum so much its audible. I did block off the egr port near the distributor but left the egr under the plenum(most likely will remove and block) When i dreadedly yet again go to tear it back apart what can i check for to make sure i am sealing it properly? Ie. could i have installed them on the wrong sides even though they were right side up? I did clean and prep the gasket surface before placing anything down and made sure to set the intake unit down in one straight motion. Thanks for any advice or help in advance.

Parts added or changed out. •IAC & Connector •thermostat housing, 160 temp thermo •all new gaskets (intake manifold set from autozone) •new distributor •long tube headers with true duals