I recently asked that question, and the consensus was that the oil pan really needs the gasket to seal properly. I went to a Mom&Pop Parts shop in a small town (it's near where I work) to buy some gasket paper in order to make my own. Turns out they were actually able to order me a Beck Arnely gasket. It was there the very next day. It has a big sticker on the front that says "CONTAINS ASBESTOS." cool...