I am installing a Edelbrock Air Gap manifold on my 304 and am having problems lining up the gasket when I drop the manifold on the block. Its a Felpro gasket and it has 4 places where the gasket extends into the bolt holes to hold it in place but it seems to pop out and misalign everything. I was thinking of using some of the copper type Formagasket on the block, then "bolting" the gasket only down initially with fender washers or fabricated plates, then letting it dry in place to keep it from moving when I drop the manifold down. Anybody have any tips or suggestions? Anybody ever pre stick the valley pan gasket to the block? TIA!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

When I replaced my valley pan gasket, I spent a lot of time forming it, so that when the locater holes were lined up, the gasket rested there comfortably, during the "dry" fit.

Then, I took it back out, and ran a bead of sealant on the heads and block, where the gasket contacts them, put the gasket on, and pressed it into place. Then, I sealed the topside, around the edges, and ports.

I didn't use the rubber front and rear seals that came with the gasket kit. Instead, I ran a thick (about 3/8" high) bead of ultra black silicone sealant. You can run several layers, or use a back and forth "cake icing" technique.

Then, I placed the intake manifold in place, put the bolts in finger tight, and let it sit for about a half hour. After that, I torqued them up.

That was a year ago. So far, so good.

Since then, I've discovered "The Right Stuff", by Permatex. You may want to look into using that.