Are gaskets required with valley pan?

[Challenger in NC]

or can I use just the rtv that comes with the valley pan. I've seen intakes installed both ways, but the kit I ordered (Fel-Pro MS-96000) does not include gaskets.

[cudabob496]

Probably a good idea. I have them. less chance of leaks, IMO.

[dodj]

Gas eats rtv so I don't think it would be a good idea to use rtv as an intake sealer. 

[Challenger in NC]

Gas eats rtv so I don't think it would be a good idea to use rtv as an intake sealer. 

It may not be rtv, but another type of sealant that Fel-Pro included with the pan.
I've read a few posts where some believe that aluminum heads have more tendency to leak over time.

[anlauto]

Only in the four corners

[734406pk]

Since you have aluminum cylinder heads, a separate valley cover in addition to intake manifold gaskets is another option. The main advantage is that you eliminate the possibility of oil being draw into the intake ports, plus it looks pretty cool.

for single plane mainifolds:
http://store.440source.com/Sheet-Metal-Valley-Pan-RB-Engine-Single-Plane/productinfo/127-1009/

for dual plane intake manifolds:
http://store.440source.com/Sheet-Metal-Valley-Pan-RB-Engine-Dual-Plane/productinfo/127-1010/

and the gaskets:
http://store.440source.com/Intake-Manifold-Gaskets-062-Thick-Set-of-2/productinfo/144-1003/

[Plum6Pak]

Hey Challenger in NC,    very good comments and good advice. Here's my story, I'm running aluminum Brodix heads and aluminum 6 pack manifold. I had a pretty good oil leak and actually found a very small crack in the pan but also saw evidence of oil going into my intake ports between the valley pan and head. I ended up using one gasket between the head and valley pan, that will seal well to prevent any oil from getting sucked into the intakes through the valley pan. No gasket between valley pan and manifold and used Permatex The Right Stuff gray on all surfaces, including the end seals with a nice little bead where the corners of the manifold sit. So far so good, been running this way since early in the year. Cleaning the surfaces is critical, use good solvent to get rid of any oil residue. I used a thin coat of the sealant on the head and both sides of the gasket then installed the gasket with the end hold downs and snugged just enough to hold everything till I installed the manifold. Use anti seize on all the bolts going into aluminum, follow the proper torque sequence and don't over torque. I would liked to have used gaskets on both sides but it caused the manifold to sit too high and not line up properly. Good luck!

[Mopar Mitch]

The OE didn't have fiber gaskets with the metal valley pans... the raised embossing does the sealing around the ports.   When new, the castings were straight, flat and smooth... thus, no need for the additional fiber gaskets (and saved $$ to the assembly of the engine... always counting pennies!).

The fiber supplementary gaskets were OE only with the '69 aluminum six-pack manifold... due to possible warpage and porosity of the aluminum mfld.

However, there is no reason not to use the supplementary fiber gaskets... they are offered by Fel-Pro (and other gasket mfgrs) as an option.   Older castings/assemblies will likely benefit by having these installed.

(I was a former Fel-Pro aftermarket engineer for many years.)

[Challenger in NC]

Thanks all for the feedback.

I did order a Fel-Pro 1216 set to use with the embossed valley pan. I'll post some follow-up pictures of the install to make sure I don't miss anything.