Who has the absolutely correct intake manifold gaskets for 69-72 small blocks? Anyone? I'm not looking for close repros--I'm looking for exactly perfect originals or repros.
Thanks,
Mike Ernst
Thanks,
Mike Ernst
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Re: 69-72 intake manifold gaskets
I am not aware of an exactly perfect reproduction. NOS is the only perfectly correct 69-72 SB intake gasket.Terry -
Re: 69-72 intake manifold gaskets
you'll need to find(carlisle) old nos gm intake set. the seals will have GM embossed on a tab on each seal, good luck. mikeComment
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Re: 69-72 intake manifold gaskets
The reproduction side gaskets also have a minor difference in the radius of the tab.TerryComment
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Re: 69-72 intake manifold gaskets
Reverend Mike, Jim Gregg, TIO2@aol.com did have some NOS set a while back.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: 69-72 intake manifold gaskets
Mike, et al------
Let's "clear the air" on this intake manifold gasket situation.
First, the configuration of the original side gaskets used for 1969 through 1972 Corvette small blocks (and, most other 69-72 small blocks) is virtually identical to the Paragon reproductions available from Paragon, Dr. Rebuild, etc. I have both several sets of the original gaskets [none for sale] and the Paragon reproductions. Placing them atop one another, the configuration of them is virtually identical. The external configuration ("footprint")is ABSOLUTELY identical. There is a small difference in the embossment near the "hump" or "tab" which is so often described. However, the difference in the embossment could not be seen with the gasket installed on the engine. Consequently, this difference, as minor as it is, is really a moot point.
There is a difference in the color of the gaskets. The NOS sets that I have are more of a medium gray color. The Paragon reproductions are more of a very dark gray to almost black color. However, not all of the originals were the same color nor were they all the same as my NOS gasket sets. The color varied. For one reason, the gaskets were NEVER made by GM and were supplied by Victor, Detroit Gasket, McCord and, likely, other gasket manufacturers to GM's specification. I'm certain that there was no strict specification as to color, if there was any specification in this regard, at all. The Paragon reproductions are TYPICAL of one of the colors of gaskets used during the 69-72 period. What color was originally used on any particular car? You'll only know that if you have the original gaskets used on the engine in undeteriorated condition.
As far as the end seals are concerned and the often discussed GM logo, be aware that the original 69-72 end seals were NOT the same as those used prior to 1969. For several years prior to 1969 the end seals were configured with vertical "flaps" that extended from the edges of the horizontal body of the seal and overhung the vertical end surfaces of the block. The "flaps" served to align and locate the seals. It is on ONE of these "flaps" that the TINY "GM" embossment may be seen if one looks extremely close at each of the seals. On some of the ones that I've seen, the location of the embossed "flap" would result in it being internal to the engine and unseen.
In 1969, the configuration of the end seals changed. The "flaps" were gone and were replaced by rubber "pins" which extend from the botom surface of the horizontal body of the seal and fit into holes on the block's end seal surface. On these seals, the "GM" embossment is on a very small tab which is an extension of the main body of the seal. Installed on the engine, it is virtually, if not completely, impossible to see this embossment. Most of the embossment will underly the intake manifold and be consequently obscured by it.
Notwithstanding the above, the end seals in the Paragon reproduction gasket set which I have DO HAVE the "GM" embossment on this tab on BOTH of the seals. So, even though it really can't be seen once installed, it's there. At least, it is on the set I have.
My opinion is this: once installed on a 1969-72 small block engine, anyone that says that they could discern the Paragon reproduction intake gasket set from one of the originals would lose a measure of credibility in my mind.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 69-72 intake manifold gaskets
Joe,
The minor radius difference I referred to in my post is not the small raised embossment I believe you are referring to. I regret that I did not have my camera when I had the opportunity to compare the side gaskets. I would, however, rate the difference I referred to as minor, and unlikely to be noticed unless the two gasket sets were side by side, or unless one made a template to measure the radius of the tab. That is why I used the term "minor."
Since I had the chance to compare one NOS set to one reproduction (and I don't even know where that reproduction was purchased), it would be a mistake to suggest that every reproduction was the same as the part I was shown. It would also be a mistake to believe that ALL NOS gasket sets were the same shape in the tab area as the example we had.
The raised embossment you mention is rather obvious on some gasket sets, however an astute restorer could minimize its appearance with little effort. It is a shame so many do not attempt it.
I must come across most all the installations in which the tab with the GM on it is visible. In my experience I can see at least part of the GM logo, enough to determine that it does have the GM on it, most of the time. I guarantee you that phenominum is not due to superior eyesight.TerryComment
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Re: 69-72 intake manifold gaskets
Hey,
Thanks, guys!!!
This old 62 nut has stumbled into moving up 9-10 years, and am having some fun, but struggling with the learning curve.
It's very interesting, having been on 4 (and chairing 2) judging manual revisions, to be on the other and, and to try to interpret what's said and what's not said. It'll sure help me on the next iteration of the 61-62 manual that Dave and I are taking on.
Thanks for your wise counsel and input!Comment
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