Chuck,
Sorry for late response - in class all day...
I changed my intake gaskets with the engine in its normal position in the car. I drained the radiator as completely as possible but took no other precautions
A few drops probably escaped into the engine, but I used the paper towel, then changed the
oil after the engine was reassembled, but before I started it again. It now has a few thousand more miles on it including some track time and (knock on wood) so far so good. I used the Victor Reinz gaskets.
The most difficult part was using the gasket scraper to remove all traces of the gaskets. I taped cardboard over the valley to (try to) prevent any detritus from falling in, and feel I was pretty successful at it.
Let us know how you make out!
Tom