Rep Power: 0

Hi All, I decided to replace the 2 exhaust ring gaskets where the flange pipe meets the bottom of the exhaust manifold.
The new ones that I bought seem too small to be pressed into the ring groove (see pic). This is as far as I can push it down with my hand.

Should I install it like this and hope that it flattens out and gets pushed into the groove when I tighten the nuts connecting the pipe to exh. manifold? Is this the way it is designed to be installed?

Also, on the new rings, one side is a little bit "tapered" while the other side is totally flat. I am assuming that the tapered side goes on top??
(btw- I bought 2 sets of rings and they are both tight like this)

 
Rep Power: 518

Looks like incorrect ring there.
The rings should be slightly larger to fit the groove and push in with your thumbs, (assuming all remnants of the previous ring is removed)

I don't think it matters which direction it lays in the groove, but it has to lay in the groove.