Need a better designed oil pan

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Precision laser cut steel rails help minimize the chance of oil pan leaks on 351W based small block Ford Engines. These reinforcement rails are designed to be used with flat flange oil pans and one-piece silicone rubber oil pan gasket (PN M-6710-A351). These reinforcement rails are used on all Ford Performance 427-460 CID 351W based small block Crate engines

You would want to use these on a flat rail pan because it's not stiff enough to hold it's shape. I think some stock pans are still like that. All the aftermarket pans I'v used have rolled beads in the flange to make them stiffer. Although you could certainly use the steel rail supports, there's no need to.

Some silicone gaskets have a metal support ring around each bolt hole. If you use one of those, it's almost impossible to over-torque the bolts/studs.