I appreciate all the help you guys have given over my past few posts.

I'm replacing the side and bottom pan gaskets on a new (used) transmission that I will be installing in my 95 se this weekend. I bought the gaskets and seals but I'm not sure if I should use a gasket sealer (blue stuff, or shalack) ... or just use the gasket???

Also have the same question for the oil pan and valve cover gaskets???

Thanks again ... Lefty

The valve cover and tranny pan gaskets require no sealer. I replace both on my wifes car w/o problems. They are not like the cork gaskets of old.

Tranny pan, not required, but a little dab of gasket varnish on the pan is often helpfull..just to keep the gasket in place while getting the pan back on.

Oil pan, not required around the perimeter, but I would recommend a dab of RTV on the block where the timing cover meets the block and same on the back where the rear cover meets the block. Clean surfaces with acetone or mineral spirits to remove any oil before the RTV goes on.

Valve covers, clean the surfaces and use the rubber O-ring style gasket. No RTV or sealant required.

Isn't it possible to even reuse the trans pan gasket? (assuming it isn't messed up)

Probably if it is in good shape, but why risk it. The replacement filter usually comes with the gasket, no point in not using a new gasket on the pan. Most of the pan gaskets I've seen get brittle after being soaked in hot ATF and don't come off clean.

When I've bought my filters for my 95 at my dealer they didn't come with one, they said it'* reuseable. I reasued mine until I got to 205K when I had my dealer do the last service and they only replaced it because I ask them to. It never leaked or anything I just figured it would be a good idea to go ahead and replace it, the car was 11years old with 205K miles. I think it cost me around $40 plus the filter.

The reason why the dealer trans kit doesn't come with a gasket is because the original trans pan gasket from GM is a lifetime gasket and 100% reusable if it'* in good shape. This gasket is such high quality that you should never have to replace it.

Typically metal with rubber inlaid, it is a much better choice over cork or pure rubber.

Agreed. Reuse the original gasket if its in good shape.