see a bunch of oil pan gasket posts but didnt see a direct answer.

what's better for oil pan gasket? cork or rubber? i got a worldpac cork gasket today (part number 11121-E3001) the people at carquest said it actually is a composite of cork and rubber; it looks like cork with black specks in it or maybe just darker cork...cant tell if that is rubber or not. looks more cork than rubber in any case.

my search did yield varying opinions regarding using sealants; seems like many that recommend cork do not recommend use of sealant...

I like cork gaskets.....they seal real well with no leaks. I don't use any sealant. The crush of the thick cork gasket compensates for the distortion of the oil pan. Don't torque it too tight though.

I agree with Diseazd, do not over torque it no matter which type you use. I just replaced the pan gasket on my 78/280z. I used a cork gasket from FelPro gaskets. It replaced a rubber gasket that leaked from over torquing. I do not like rubber pan or valve cover gaskets because that seems to always happen when using them.

I agree with Diseazd, do not over torque it no matter which type you use. I just replaced the pan gasket on my 78/280z. I used a cork gasket from FelPro gaskets. It replaced a rubber gasket that leaked from over torquing. I do not like rubber pan or valve cover gaskets because that seems to always happen when using them.

Just got a cork felpro gasket for my valve cover. Probably had been sitting for 35 years. It was not usable.. I had to substitute with silicone. Probably a better seal, but now theres silly red goo around my valve cover!

I agree with Diseazd - But I slicked mine up first with Permatex #2. It is a bit old school, but I don't plan on having to do it again.