ok my new chrome thermostat has a rubber o ring around the inside.. does that mean I just bolt it like that without gasket?

 

Yes, but be on the lookout for leaks, the O ring style works if the thermostat mounting on the intake is perfectly flat and has no corrosion markings. (pitting, etc.)

I personally dont use chrome water necks ever, but when I install them on customer cars, I use a thin layer of RTV on the O ring.

 

ok so I should just torque it down without the gasket then.. now the intake was all cleaned and cleared when the engine was rebuilt but it's an edelbrock performer intake.. the area around the thermostat is like a polished finish.. it should seal ok ?

is this something that could be ok and then start leaking later on?

 

Yes, no gasket, just the O-ring.

As long as the intake surface is clean, you should be alright.

Good idea to keep an eye out for a future leak, Chrome t stat housings are notorious for leaks.