Yeah, 10 ft/Lb is max. The bolts are M6 thread with a 10mm head. Since there are 20 bolts all the way around, the key for good seal is be consistent all the way around.
I start putting the pan back on with 2 bolts on first at opposite ends to "hang" the pan evenly. Then I start all the other bolts.
Then run them in til seated and "just snugged up a bit". Then tighten in 2 passes with a final pass at 10 Ft/ Lbs.
Why?
If you have the GM gasket with the steel core, it's reusable and worth $$ and better then a flimsy aftermarket $5 gasket.
It's seals best when no point is crushed by uneven torque on the bolts.
Since these bolts go into an aluminum casting with M8 threads, going over 10 Ft/Lb could strip them out! You'll
realize that 10Ft/Lb is pretty significant by the time you're done!