Reinstalled Lower Intake Manifold gaskets. After further inspection I realized that some of the bolts heads at the outer edges are not flushed with the surface of the manifold. I don't want to go beyond the torque spec. Is this normal because of the new gasket or maybe excessive RTV on the edges? I did chase the threads to clean the debris and the bolts are brand spanking new. I also applied the medium strength blue gel sealant on the threads of the new bolts.
Should I tighten these bolts until they are flushed?

 

Did you check to see if the bolts were the correct length? Is it possible they are longer and bottoming out in the blind hole of the head? I used to see the pan gasket leak on transmissions when the reusable gasket setup got replaced with the thinner one in the filter kits. Some of the bolt holes have a bottom or don't go all the way through the casting. the bolts were made longer for the additional thickness of the newer redesigned reusable gasket. Then when the thinner gasket was used the bolts would bottom out in some of the holes and leak, because the gasket would not compress adequately enough to make a good seal. Just food for thought...

 

I'm sure sre the same length as the old ones I checked them. I think something maybe the sealant is giving a false torque reading. Because it seems I can keep going beyond the torque spec I just don't want to ruin the gasket or break a bolt