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Have a manifold gasket with metal on only one side, which side goes to the block????

Typically, the metal side.

Also do a quick search through the forum using the search tool and you will find multiple discussions regarding this topic. Most come to the conclusion to follow manufacturers recommendations about using gasket dressings and such. If you can, I suggest contacting the manufacturer for direction. If not, it's a bit of a risk either way but, when I had the same situation with my head gasket, I chose to install without gasket dressing as that is the direction from multiple manufacturers.

Metal side goes to the block, fiber side to the head. My metal faced gasket leaked coolant like a sieve and I had to re-install using a copper spray coating on the metal side only and start the engine and run up to normal operating temps before the gasket would seal properly. Following the manufacturer's recommendations is good advice except that the manufacturer in my case (FelPro) didn't provide specific and comprehensive installation recommendations for a L-134 head gasket - anywhere. Certainly not packed with the gasket and not on their website. The recommendation to not use sealants with head gaskets seems to be predominant with modern head gaskets for modern engine applications. But applying that standard to older engines may not get you the results you desire.

The original poster asked about the manifold gasket and the replies were about head gaskets.

My bad. Still, metal side goes toward the block. For best sealing potential, if needed, intake/exhaust manifold (as a unit) and block can be honed flat by an experienced machine shop.