Best results for manifold gasket(s)

[AmadeusCharger500]

Is it best to use the valley pan alone with some permatex or silicon sealer?
Or should I use the four gaskets that come with the valley pan, and if so do they go on dry?

[TylerCharger69]

I use silicone around the coolant passages and at the front and back where the plates hold it in place  (the ones with 3 small bolts)  Everything else I put on dry, because if you put silicone at the intake passages, when it's torqued down...it will squeeze out  and restrict optimal flow.   I just put a single bead around the coolant passage, across the front, and up around the coolant passage across from it.   Same with the back side.   My valley pan  didn't come with gaskets.....I'm assuming this is a B/RB engine  and not a small block...Am I correct?

[Chryco Psycho]

big blocks have no coolant passages in the intake
I Use the paper gaskets between the pan & heads with a light coat of silicone & a light coat of silicone only between the intake & pan