Intake gasket

[booyaballer]

All, in the process of removing my valve cover and gaskets, I damaged part of the intake manifold gasket. I noticed there's an opening that was covered with the intake gasket. What's the opening for? does this mean I need to replace the intake gasket?

thanks for the help.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

It is supposed to be open , it releases the heat around the heat crossover , no need to replace the gasket .
I usually block that passage when the intake is off as these cars are no longer daily drivers & driven in very cold weather so no need to heat the intake up .