Advice on intake manifold gasket replacement

[AZVET]

I have owned this 88 Reatta for a bit over two years now and have been fixing the problems as I go along.

The next biggie is the intake manifold gasket.  I have a new Felpro gasket, PCV valve and hopefully the correct grommet to go with it.  I still get a burning oil smell after driving the car and since I have replaced the valve cover gaskets I'm thinking this will solve the problem.

Any tips?  Any thing I should watch out for?  Anything else I should do while I have the manifold off?

All other gaskets have been replaced.

Do any of the bolts go through a water passage; i.e. should I use thread sealer when I reinstall them?

Also, what is the trick to getting the plastic cover off the EGR valve without busting it.  Mine is already broken from the last time I removed it and the ones in my local Pic a Part yard break when I attempt to get them off too.