MJ and all, thanks for your responses, I'm learning some things, both about tapered holes and pins, as well as oil consumption. I've always respected your expertise in your knowledge base here. I think this will help Joe move forward on these issues, which is all I'm trying to facilitate.
Link to thread for Marlin's 4 stud guiding system for intake R&R, so others can see:
https://pantera.infopop.cc/top...old-guide-studs-5-16
Is there a way to confirm that to be an issue first? (His is a "new" build, at this point maybe a few years old but with minimal mileage). Do EFI fuel pumps have a check valve to stop fuel flow when not powered in case we had to disconnect a fuel line? I have a ball valve shutoff near the tank on mine now, but Joe may not. The shop that did his resto is hours away. Joe has been hoping to attend the Naval base Fleet Fest event in Norfolk in a month organized by the Long Island POCA chapter, as will I. Intake R&R is not my strong suit, but I have gasket scrapers, torque wrench, etc. and have assisted with it a few times, I understand basic torque patterns and can look up torque specs. I have no idea what intake gasket system they used, but suggestions welcome, for whoever does the R&R--also for valve cover gaskets if they need to be replaced. I'm guessing dizzy doesn't have to come out, probably just cap to come off? It's been years since I had a 351C. I know it's a dry intake.