Yes, I put sealer on every stud. The studs go into the block finger tight. As far as torque goes I used stock sequence and arp torque specs. You'll get allot of different opinions on that one so you'll have to make the call. My limited knowledge of hardware pointed to using arp's torque suggestion. When I get a tranny in I'll let you know if it'll hold 8 bolt heads on a low 11 motor. Back to the point. I stepped up the torque in increments until I achieved max torque. Then, making sure the stud didn't back off I loosened and retorqued each stud in sequence. I did it again like five more times. So, for clarity, I basically went through the torque sequence like 6 times once I had achieved my desired spec. (backing off and retightening each one every time) Then I let it set for a couple of days. FWIW I would have started it sooner but I couldn't. HTH. james