Replaced Exhaust/intake Gasket. Still Leaking

[1989 Eliminator]

So i just replaced my manifold gasket and also used some hi-temp copper spray on the gasket to help a little. I took everything off and sanded the two mating surfaces so they are flat.

 

Now two out of the three studs were loose when i uninstalled the manifolds so i put red loctite on them, screwed them back in and let them cure. I then inserted the gasket in, put loctite on the bolts and torqued in a sequential order. But i still have a leak. There is a distinct ticking sound when load is put on the engine.

 

So i guess my question is... Can a exhaust leak cause such a vaccum leak or would it be just the intake manifold. Because i am still have a rough idle. But its just ridiculas that i just replaced the gasket. Any input?

[Timeless]

Did you check that the exhaust manifold flange is actually flat?  Is your exhaust manifold cracked?

[1989 Eliminator]

I did not actually take off the exhaust manifold so I wouldnt have to deal with the rusty bolts and donut gasket at the end of the manifold. So I checked for cracks where I could. There was not any old gasket left on the manifold when I installed it.

 

Would an exhaust leak cause idling issues though? A vaccum leak....

[ParadiseMJ]

Did you make absolutely sure it was seated on the locating dowels?  It can be not seated...and still bolt up.  That would cause a high idle and noise, ticking etc.

[1989 Eliminator]

Yea both dowels are completely seated and manifold is snug

[1989 Eliminator]

I also tried the carb cleaner spray to see if the rpms would increase and they didnt