You should be able to use the stock Ford torque numbers and sequence.
Make sure your manifold has flat mating surfaces and the distances are even between the intake port and the cylinder head and the manifold. (With the manifold resting on the lifter valley, without gaskets, the distance from the top of the intake port and the bottom of the intake port should be the same.) You will be able to see any difference that can contribute to a lack of sealing.
Make absolutely sure the mating surfaces are very clean. After old gasket removal clean with lacquer thinner until no residue is seen on the paper towels you are using. This includes the lifter valley rails.
Use a premium gasket with a flexible sealing point to vbe able to move with the diference between iron heads and aluminum manifold. Such as a FelPro # 1262 or what ever best fits you port and coolant passage type. Treat with a good flexible adhesive and as Hymolar.
I use a silicone bead at the lifter valley area without a failure yet. (Including a 428 FE motor with 230,000 miles on it.) The idea is this area needs to be residue free for a good bond. I use Permatex Ultra Copper as it has an additive that makes the silicon seal expand with exposed to hot
oil.
Good Luck.