'86 300 sdl 603.961 motor 005144

Quickly need to verify it is ok to remove the basket from the timing gear area. The new gasket (w/dam) is for the pre basket motors. Pre advice holding true that I will have to remove the basket.

Any bad experiences out there with removing the basket?

Unless I hear something in the next hour or so I'm going with gxsr's alternative option to go remove the basket.

Or should I just use the old gasket with a micro smear of black silicon seal on the suface?

Thanks

Got the direction I needed Thanks gxsr & all.

Removing basket (keeping it for IP removal some day), and going with the dam style metal gasket.