Quote Originally Posted by DennyW
I always liked the cork and rubber mixed gaskets. They make the thicker ones that do a real nice job. Just tighten them with care, and let them sit for awhile. Loosen them, and re-tighten them. Seal them on one side only. The rubber ones always stretch out of shape after you run them.
Actually, I read your post after the fact, as I have completed all my repairs over the last 4 days. More on this later. but for now, a few questions:

1- Why seal them on one side only?
2- Where do I buy the best quality gaskets? Not knowing any better, and thinking that I should find the best quality by ordering right from the Chevy dealer, I ended up with the cork gasket. I am now learning that I will from now on, need to do more homework and not just rely that Jeff will let me know if his dealership carries the best I can find for my car or not. I ended up with an oil pan that cost me $100 and looked (brand new) like it had been a pinata in a previous (and not so distant) life . WHAT THE needless to say the Pinata went back to Chevrolet and I had to do an emergency run to P.A.W to buy an aftermarket oilpan that was a little more up to my standards (straight and free of dents).

Live and learn...

So now I order all my own parts and drill all the manufacturers with 1000 questions before making any decision/choice/purchase...