Gaskets or No Gaskets?

I'm looking for some experienced recommendations on gaskets...

For the water pump, should I use the gasket that Ford includes, or just use RTV and no gasket? The gasket looks pretty cheesy.

And for the exhaust (MAC headers), should I use the metal Felpro exhaust gasket or something else (copper spray, RTV, ???)?

Thanks...

is it that brown paper thing? I use Permatex Aviation sealant with all paper gaskets, its soaks in and seals. Fel-Pro , ROL etc have much nicer gaskets

I would use both on both. I always put a fine layer of Blue RTV on water pump gasket and put orange on exhaust gaskets. Helps to fill any imperfections and sticks gasket in place for easier installation.

Rob, I have had good luck with the 94-99 Mustang 3.8L exhaust manifold gasket (Fel-Pro MS 95528) coated steel gasket and copper gasket sealant on my longtube headers. That coupled with the Stage 8 locking fasteners has produced no leaks in 2 and one years and around 15,000 miles.

(Ford part # F5SZ-9448 C)

Rob,

I use Permatex copper RTV orange with the Felpro metal coated gaskets and Kooks headers. No leaks so far.

David