Just installed a new HEI distributor on my '56 Ford Crown Victoria's 312. Read that you are not required to use a gasket when you install the distributor. Dose this apply to new aluminum HEI's or only to the original Load-o-matic vacuum only distributor?

Y-Blocks do not require a gasket at the base of the distributor body.  Installing one can potentially raise the distributor gear enough at the cam gear that you don’t get the correct mesh.  A bit of oil or anti-seize on the distributor may alleviate any seizing that may take place later where the distributor fits within the block. 

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks Ted,
The new HEI dizzy came with a gasket so I installed it only to read that it might not be necessary . The old load-o-matic dizzy had no gasket when it was removed. And by putting in the HEI with mechanical and vacuum advance, what a world of difference in performance.