yes, gates if available is good brand although i have never tried it. Cahak gives a very good advice on the gasket, it is a metal with some epoxy resin on it, it does seal very good and it is not difficult to remove later, the paper ones are crap, avoid them. I have been using a gasket maker whenever i do not have in hand a good gasket, it is loctite 515 it is an anaerobic cianocrilate type substance, you have to prep the surface very clean with alcohol isopropil or a paint degreaser specific product (i do car paint sometimes) it fully cures within two hours, a small tube will last many many water pumps you just apply a thin layer and it has given me excellent results much much better than rtv silicone wich i do not like and do not use anymore except in stamped sheet oil pans when you need to fill large gaps.I have had a gates on for something like 70-80K miles now and no issues - the pump was well machined(purchased from Rock Auto). I think it is very important to use the rubberized metal gasket and they are only like $2 or so. Lots of the pumps come with a paper like gasket and it is a struggle to use it and it can leak. I personally think that there are many good water pumps out there, although I'm sure there are a few bad ones also.
Chris