head & exhaust plate gasket replacement - 1970 4hp

[Cruisin97]

First experience with gasket replacement.
Head gasket (Sierra) is CMP-4000 material. Sierra recommends dry fit only.
Exhaust plate gasket is more antiquated (and very thin) fiber material.
Do I use sealant on both faces of exhaust gasket --- and is there a spray alternative to the messy, brush-on type?
On threads of head bolts and exhaust plate screws, is it OK to use non-permanent medium grade thread lock or must I use thread sealant instead?

 

[Crosbyman]

I dont apply sealants... orient the cyl head gasket top tab with the engine casing tab

torque to specs .... retorque to specs after a good run is what I do .

I do not use thread lock (blue) just some commom yellow teflon tape