New LS1 Owners - Newbie Tech - oil pan gasket

I searched but haven't found a definitive answer. Should I use rtv/silicone on the oil pan gasket or just apply dry?

When I put my pan in I put a small bead of silicone on the block and on the pan and front/rear covers.

Apply in dry. Wipe the block and pan mating surface with carb or brake cleaner and stick in the new gasket. Also make sure the 2 rivets are gone from the oil pan from the original gasket.

i ended up just putting a small bit where the front and rear covers are but now i seem to have a stripped hole on the rear. the long bolt will not grab anything at all. will a heli coil work for this? its only 106 in lbs so not much torque.

A heli coil will work, it will be stronger than the original threads.