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You don't need to remove it, but it makes it a little easier on the knuckles. The only concern with removing is the gasket, which if it's been on there for a long time, it's more than likly going to come apart when you take the intake off.
I've heard of using black spraypaint to make them seal again, but I haven't done it myself. FWIW and intake gasket set is about $35.
