Ken,
Gasket sealer is generally not needed at the intake. If I have doubts about the surfaces involved I'll sometimes use a bit of Permatex non-hardening brown or some Hylomar. With SUs, the most important thing is that the intake flange, or mouth, of the carburetter is free from warpage or "potato chipping". Use a straightedge to check it out. A large flat file can be used carefully to flatten the face. Pass the file over the face once or twice slowly, keeping everything square. Then look to see if high spots are revealed. They will most likely show up where the mounting holes are. This is a sign of age and of overtightening. Carefully continue filing (forward strokes only, no back and forth) slowly until the surface "touches out". Clean everything up thoroughly and you're good to go.
Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon