First off, do you have access to a-:
welder
grinder
drill press?
If so, PM me, I think I have detailed pics. of my Timberline mods., to add a hefty baffle and secondary air. material cost was less than $100 and well worth it.
And yes, you need to add a rope gasket to the stove, but not the doors. The doors will squish the gasket in place, and it'll work better.
After mods., flue temps @ 900 or so, 10-12 hr. burns, and plenty of heat. Burned as clean as my BK does, if not more so
BUT- it's only worth doing if you can do the work yourself, a welding shop would kill you on cost.