Exhaust port on top of my Tri Power Intake

I have just finished building my "57" 371 Rocket powered Deuce. I have the factory Tri-Power Intake on it and there is a small exhaust port off the top of the intake manifold that was probably for the original Auto Choke for the center carb. Because I am not using this port, and it is open right now can I plug it off, or should I install some tubing and route it under the motor? I would rather plug it if I could, but do I risk any damage to the intake gastket?

 

Many aftermarket intake gasket sets included a metal block off for this pot that went under the intake with the intake gasket.
A metal pop can was used in many cases as well.

 

I dunno 'bout the 371 .... but my pontiac has round holes & i installed steel freese plugs before i put on the manifold.

I would plug that lil hole in the manifold and run it.... if it burns the gasket, remove the manifold & plug the heads.

I have never liked the idea of hot exhaust running thru my vintage aluminum intake anyways..

 

plug the hole on top of the intake, it is just a heat riser for the choke. it shouldn't affect the gaskets, if it is the cast iron intake, you'll be fine with the exhaust running up through it.

 

Thank you for your responses. I will plug off the heat riser port.