On a small block? What? Chrysler V8s don't use a distributor gasket. They use a rubber o ring. The distributor collar is where the ground is picked up against the top of the block, so the bottom of the distributor collar and the top of the block in that area should be clean and paint free. That is where the ground is provided. I've even seen some that had a ground wire from the distributor housing to the firewall, although I don't know if that was factory or something that was added. It sure isn't a bad idea either way.
