[dcdoug]

The car and engine are new. As soon as I had run a few hundred miles, I started getting a small leak and figured I just needed to snug up the pan bolts (did the same for the valve covers and was gentle). I was gentle with the torque and only went to 16 lbs (Steve Christ's book lists the range as 12-16lbs if I remember right). But didn't help. So since I had the leak anyway, I did snug them up again (still only used a 3/8 rachet so I wouldn't overdue it) and didn't make any difference. They might be over-torqued a bit right now. But figured it was worth a shot since the next step was to replace the gasket anyway.

So I think a couple of studs makes sense and then I will probably stay with bolts for the rest. Loctite on the studs? Is it best to use two on either side to locate the pan?

And I guess for the gasket, the Milodon cork and black RTV seems like the option to try?

One last question - is this going to be a PITA if the car is only up on jack stands and not a lift? Doesn't seem like it will, but then I'm the rookie, so comments are welcome.