[lastdime]

Thanks for the suggestions. There are no studs, just bolts that screw into the intake manifold through the billet carburetor base. Both intake manifold and carburetor are new and clean. I will remove the carb and gasket and see how the carb mates to the manifold. As far as a real vacuum leak, I will double check that and see what I discover.
Update to come.

Thanks guys.