Engine Cooling problem
1996 Ford Thunderbird V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 125000 miles

I have a leak in the intake manifold which is causing fluid to leak into the spark plug housings and causing a short. I removed the intake manifold and purchased new gaskets. When I got the manifold out, I see that the gaskets are integral to the manifold. The parts store says there isn't any other gaskets. If I install the gaskets, there will be an approximately 1/8" gap between the manifold and the engine housing. Is this correct, or do I have to totally replace the composite intake manifold?