[cwmcobra]

Sal,

Interesting post because, as you say, everyone I've ever talked to has recommended two of your no-no's: RTV replacing the end seals and RTV around the water jacket ports. You've obviously had a lot of experience and I've had a failure doing it their way, so I'm game to use your recommendation. Any other details you can provide on the procedure? Such as:

1. Do you use the cork end seals that come with the gaskets, or the rubber ones that Ford used in their OEM engines, with the rubber pegs that fit in the holes in the end sealing surface on the block?

2. Do you use RTV or other sealant on the end seals? If so, top and bottom?

3. Do you use spray gasket adhesive to firmly locate the gaskets during installation? If so, which surfaces do you stick the gaskets to?

4. If no adhesive, you've not had any problem with the gasket slipping during the torquing of the manifold? The Victor Reinz gaskets that I have are graphite coated and seem like they might have more of a tendency to slide than others. Of course, maybe that's a good design feature that is defeated if you glue them down.

I will appreciate these and any other details that you can provide. Thanks!

Chuck