RTV is great, but I prefer to use an actual gasket whenever possible. There doesn't seem to be an OEM gasket produced for the VQ35. Anyone object to this one?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OIL-PAN-FOR...T/361528062641

 

That type of gasket has cracked on me after a year of use. They are not what the engine was designed to use for the lower oil pan. The OEM gasket IS RTV.

 

I've used that gasket without long term success also. The best thing is to let the oil drain without the lower pan on for like 3-4 hours, get the surface and areas above it bone dry, put the pan on with RTV, heat cycle it, then re-torque the bolts.

 

Just use a really good RTV like Hondabond.
These come from the factory with no gasket on the lower oil pan or even the upper. They're not known for leaking. Neither of mine were leaking after over 200,000 each when I did their rear main seals. No need to change a system that works.

The key is using a good RTV, getting it really clean, making sure the pan isn't kinked from prying it off and letting it set up before adding oil.

 

Get the RTV from Nissan. Its not that expensive and it works great. The one in my VQ30 has been sealing my oil pan for over 250K miles. Yes it is a mess trying to clean it but it works great.

 

Thanks to all that have shared their experience! RTV it is! My 7th gen motor is being delivered tomorrow. I'll get the motor on the engine stand and have a couple of months to sort through it and work on it. I'm not in a hurry. It's a 2014 with 41k miles on it, so not much needs to be done, however, the replacement of the 5th gen upper and lower oil pans will warrant gaskets. As far as other gaskets and seals, I will probably replace the rear main seal while I have access to it, replace the valve cover gaskets with new OEM as I will have them off to modify cam signal wheels, RTV the oil pans, and of course OEM exhaust gaskets for the 5th gen manifolds. Last but not least, the timing cover will get RTV as I will replace the oil gallery gaskets as well. Upper intake manifold will come off, but will re-use that gasket. Maybe I'll replace it with new OEM, not sure yet.