Currently rebuilding an '88 NA.

I noticed on Mazdatrix this:

"If you have the earlier front side housing style, assemble the front of the engine with the O-ring, no front cover gasket, (use silicone instead), and maybe a little Hylomar to hold the O-ring in place during assembly (and throw away the white teflon ring that comes in the gasket set). If you really WANT to use a gasket, then use the 79-85 one, which needs to be purchased separately."

I've determined it does use the early casting style.

I just want to make sure that this method will be reliable and not leak.

I have a tube of grey RTV that came with my rotary aviation basic kit, should I be using this for the front cover, if not I can purchase a more optimal RTV/Silicone.

If it's better to use the gasket, I can order it and wait.

Anyone with experience wanna chime in and let me know whats worked for them?

 

dont use silicon,, use the gasket,, there is a tiny hole in the gasket line as the oil feed path for the OMP
( and super easily blocked with silicon )

use a non set sealant with if you wish

the s5 front plate features a change in the diameter of the boss catsing for the later type seal setup
( the same Oring supported with a teflon ring )

racers not wanting the OMP can disregard,, and the in mazdatrix mod is intended for more crush to negate notorious O ring blow out at competition heat and pressure


the s5 plate features a much improved setup that is much less prone to the blow out
( a fail here contributes to very low oil pressure )