Two gaskets may be an attempt to cure a miss alignment issue
Run a straight edge against the ports they should be true,
Check the same on your manifold.
U can true your manifold with a big flat file or get it professionally refaced
We install the manifold to the barrels before they are torqued up,
This also works
Good idea with the shoelace
Safer than hooks and no chance of marking the spring.
Less chance of breakage!