1952-59 Ford Inline 6, 223 Intake Manifold Question

I just replaced my stock single exhaust manifold with a modified stock manifold to provide dual exhaust. In the process of re***embly, one of the round ring shaped "intake manifold inserts" fell out without my knowledge and the intake was installed without it. My questions are, 1) What are they? 2) Are they critical to performance?
Note: I will be swapping this engine out for a rebuilt Inline 6, 223 this winter so if the missing insert isn't critical, i'd rather run without it until EOY.
Thanks,
Trikepapa - RonC

 

I tried running mine without when I did it but had issues with the exhaust manifold not wanting to stay sealed. Not sure if thats why they are there or not I thought they probaly keep it from being a hot spot where without them that would be a void to collect heat. As far as yes or no needed not sure myself though.

 

I believe that they seal the exhaust ports, so you will probably have a leak and also be noisy.

 

Thank's Stew2 and parklane, your suppositions make sense. Can anyone add any more definative info?

 

Don't know if you may be interested but I have an offy intake (with linkage) and two rebuilt carbs that will fit your 223. I also have a distributor thats been upgraded to 12V electronic, though its for a 215, not sure if it will work with the 223 or not. I also have many other parts for the 215 which most are compatible with the 223. If interested just PM me and be patient. I only check this periodically.

BTW, you do need that ring. Machining wasn't perfect in the 50's and that is how they created the seal between the head and the intake/exhaust.