I agree the FELPRO thermo gasket works GREAT!
From Felpro:
Seepage around a thermostat is common because typical paper thermostat gaskets cannot conform adequately to the warpage and corrosion of the housing flange. A thermostat leak will be obvious to the vehicle owner.
Fel-ProŽ offers a complete line of replacement thermostat gaskets for most makes and models of light-duty vehicles. Fel-Pro also offers PermaDryPlus thermostat gaskets for problem-solving applications.
These PermaDryPlus gaskets feature a rigid-carrier construction and silicone sealing beads. The carrier prevents overtorquing and ensures instant fit and perfect alignment. The molded rubber assures a secure seal, helps eliminate leak paths and is highly resistant to extreme temperatures. These gaskets are the perfect solution for warped or corroded thermostat housing flanges found in the repair market.
http://www.federal-mogul.com/en/Aftermar...emostatGaskets/
Part Number for SBC in 1996 was: MIS2002
Mine has sealed for years with NO signs of failure,,the Mr. Gasket paper gasket on my BB always has a strange mung that develops around the housing.
Jim