I'm going to be doing my first ever h/c swap in the next week or so and I don't really 100% sure how to properly seal all the gaskets. I've done my header gaskets one time and it's been leak-free so far, but this is much bigger and I want to really make sure I get it right. So could someone explain how your supposed to properly use the sealant with the gaskets, or maybe post a pic or something? Sorry about how dumb of a question this is but I just really want to be sure everything is right.
Thanks a lot

 

The only part where sealant is actually needed is the intake manifold. Run a thick bead across the rear and front as there is no gasket that goes there, then just lay the sides/runner gaskets in place and sit the manifold on top, straight down. You will want to put just a dap on the runner gaskets to hold them in place.
Here's a pic with the gaskets and sealant in place



For the front cover and wp, I never have used sealant on either of them expect just a small smear to hold them in place, but not on the entire gasket, just the top corners.
For the oil pan, only a light smear where the main rear cap meets the block, and at the front where the timing cover meets the block. I also put a small bead in the front lip of the timing cover, and the rear lip under the rear main cap, nothing on the surface that touches the pan side..rest of the gasket dry on both sides.

Use only "Ultra Black" Permatex, it works and seals great and comes off easy if you have to take it apart again later.

 

Thanks man, that helps a lot. I put a lot of sealant on my header gaskets when I did them. I didn't realize you don't really need that much for a leak free seal.

 

Make sure to do like 2QUIK6 did in his picture and run the bead up on the heads just a little, those corners like to leak otherwise.

Good luck!

 

I have always used the ultra-black all over the water pump gaskets, timing cover, Intake manifold, and oil pan gasket. Oil pan gasket only since I had to hammer it out for the 383 crank, before that it never needed it. Make sure and re-use the stamped steel plate that goes with the bolts on the oil pan, this helps the seal also.

The heads, exhaust manifolds, and TB gaskets should be dry.