Best valve cover gaskets?

I installed the Fel-Pro using a hylomar sealant. I cleaned the head surface with a roloc disc and then brake cleaner. I cleaned all oil from the valve cover. I torqued to the proper 40 inch lbs. After a long drive, the last half of which my motor smoked like a smokestack, I found them leaking like a sieve. I checked the torque and they were extremely loose. I retourqued them but had enough for one day. I will drive again tomorrow and recheck torque.

I dont know why they do that but they will loosen up. I use blue Locktite on each bolt after I have torqued them down for the last time (after heat cycles). I remove one bolt at a time and re install them one at a time.

I have never used any type of permatex on my valve covers. They don't need it. Think about these guys that run mechanical cams..... they have to remove and replace the valve covers ever so often for valve adjustment. It doesn't hurt to tack it up with a little of it to hold the gasket in place on the valve cover until you get the bolts start but that's it. I don't even do that however. If you use FelPro gaskets, make sure contact surfaces are clean, and re torque after heat cycles you will be good to go.