Lol clean clean i dont think you are missing anything mate, well not that i can think of anyway As for the thermal inlet gasket im not sure if i am right here, but i think what they are designed for is if your inlet manifold is warped abit, with there been that much heat they can warp so with the thermal gasket it will alow it to get a seal..If you get me lol im not a 100% sure on that so dont take my word for it lol