Over the many years that i've owned this car, i've never asked this question. What is the best method for sealing the driver side gasket that is sandwiched together on a 97?

I've tried using two gaskets, making the manifold and lower cross pipe flush and tightening the bolts with a breaker bar, using high temp silicon with gasket and then tightening.

It seems as if this only seems to last for a certain period of time before I start to get a ticking noise and an exhaust leak.

Thanks,