thanks to you both

Gasket installed last night. I ordered CP performance stainless bolt kit and the gasket is so thick the shorter corner bolts wouldn't seat so I used the original.

I used one piece fel-pros on my last build and they worked great. Seems that everyone else has also had good luck with them.

1 more question. The bead of silicone. I put it on the motor side of the gasket. Do most people put it there or on the oil pan gasket side?

If you have a quality pan, good gasket silicone/steel reinforced, and clean mating surfaces you really don't need any sealer at all.. it's only a preference.. neither good or bad. If it helps you sleep at night DO IT.. just don't over do the sealant.

Silicone not needed on flat surface, only a small dab at the 4 corners. Maybe PM a couple of the professional engine builders.

I have a good friend that bought a boat a few years back. Took it out for the first time after he bought it and ended up with a hurt motor after that first day due to excessive sealer used on the pan gasket. The previous owner had just installed a new 572 in it and installed a marine pan when he installed the motor. The sealer flaked off on the inside, plugged the pick up and destroyed a bunch of parts! The motor lasted for about 10 hours. Using sealer on pan gaskets is common but just be aware of where and how much to use. I use it in the corners and sometimes on the timing chain cover section of the gasket.

I put a thin bead on the sides to help hold the gasket in place.

gen iv 454 fel-pro one piece blue molded rubber gasket old part# 1884R new part# 0S30061T