tufcj
I prefer the factory metal "valley pan" style. About $20 at your local parts store. Fel-Pro is my preferred brand.
When I install them, I spray both sides around the intake ports with copper spray gasket. I do both sides around the water ports with a VERY thin bead of black or gray Permatex. Just before I set the manifold in place I put a dab of Permatex at the ends of the rubber gasket where the block and head meet. No silicone on the end gaskets. When torqued to spec and in the correct sequence, I've never had one leak.
Bob
tufcj
