This is too funny....you guys are OLD! I must be the kid of the group, since I will only turn 43 in May. As for the gasket, I hate using any sealant at all. It is a pain in the arse to clean it off later if you need to. I have used the black ones from TCI with the best luck, they are better by far than cork, the brown paper ones, or even the cheapie black ones. Snug the bolts, then go around to 95 inch/pounds of torque.