Any tricks for removing the UIM gasket?

 

Warm it up and use a nice scraper or razor. Just be careful not to gouge the soft metal. If its really hard, Permatex makes an spray on gasket remover. It makes a mess of things though

 

i also used a fine sand paper once I was done to make sure that the new gasket went on smooth and didn't bubble. Vac leaks between the manifolds are just a huge waste of time so make sure you are thourough! and good luck