Before I went to that trouble, I'd do some easier testing. I'd either use a radiator pressure tester to see if the head gasket is leaking, or do a combustion products test on the coolant. You'll have to reinstall the intake to do either, but it comes back off easy if you have to, and I don't think you will.

Getting a good seal on the lower mani is tough. I do it thus. Use a good copper based gasket sealant on the gaskets, Indian Head or KopperKoat or equal. Apply and let it tack up. Set the mani in place, and start the bolts to just past finger tight, and tap the mani to settle it in, tighten to about half torque, and tap again. Then tighten to full torque. Getting the mani into the 60* vee is tough, as the bolt tension is downwards and the gasket pressure is wide to the side. I like loctite on the lower mani bolts.

By the way, some on the forum have had decent luck with a product called (I think) Steel Seal...