So i just pulled my pump off, theres a circular grinded imprint of the back of the pump on the cylinder wall - about the size of a penny.

Im using an 00 water pump on a 01 vvt engine, without the metal gasket. (My 01 pump was stiff - used blue rtv)
Any difference in the pumps? or simply a gasket thing?

I don't really care, since I doubt its touching anymore after 17000 km.