what is the better gasket for a 390 oil pan, the cork or that black one? do you use any sealer on the pan or gasket? I might need to try to straighten out the pan in the rear, it looks a little warped

 

Felpro cork. Make sure the metal is flat and clean. I use rtv ultra black on the pan. Do not over torque. That causes the majority of problems. I also progressively tighten around the pan just like I would a head or intake.

 

That's like asking... Coke or Pepsi? Chevy or Ford? Blondes or Brunettes?

Everyone has their own preference but I prefer cork myself, I don't use any rtv or sealer, I just apply a thin coat of wheel bearing grease to the gasket to hold it in place.

More important than anything is do not over tighten the bolts and distort the gasket, and make sure the oil pan flange is straight!

The cork absorbs oil and swells, making for a leak-free seal...my 2 pennies.


(EDIT: was typing as 69cj responded)

 

Many types of gaskets will do fine. Some say that certain gaskets will sweat more than others. The trick is getting it on there and sealed properly. If you use RTV or a sealant, don't use a lot. I like "Indian Head" that comes in a small brown bottle. I've used it to stick gaskets to surfaces (oil pans, valve covers, etc...) so that they stay in place. Then go around and get all of the bolts finger tight then tighten them up a little in a pattern that will help the gasket seal. I like to tighten from the corners first and work my way around. Don't tighten too much. They just need to be a little past snug, you don't want to squeeze the gasket too much.

 

gasket in a tube , silicone of course . Run a bead of it middle of the flat area and a couple of stubby pilot studs to guide it in place

 

Thanks for the input Guys