That gasket is very thick and will fill up that extra space you are getting between the pipes. The gasket is shaped like a donut. Not your typical flat gasket.
It's also ceramic, so don't drop it.
Tony
1998 SVT Contour (B/MB) #542 3L
1998 SVT Contour (SF/MB) #1266 parts car
2000 SVT Contour (SF/MB) #1533 3L swap to begin!