head gasket part number

[Tom H.]

I bought some old parts from a speed shop that was going in the late 70's and mid 80's. Among them were some gm head gaskets, new in their packages. The part number is 3830711. Joe, do you or anyone else know the compressed thickness of these gaskets? They are steel. Thanks, Tom

[Joe L.]

Re: head gasket part number

Tom-----

GM #3830711 are steel shim type head gaskets applicable to 1955-68 Chevrolet 265, 283 and 327 cid engines. Compressed thickness is about .015", as I recall.

[Tom H.]

Re: head gasket part number

I guess I should have asked before I used one. I put a set on a 350 bored .30 over today. The guy I got them from said that it was for a 350, and I was looking to get some more compression from this . The engine is still on the stand, should I pull the heads back off and replace them, or will it hurt to use it. I have valve clearance, and it appeared large enough in diameter. Thanks, Tom

[Joe L.]

Re: head gasket part number

Tom-----

I think they'll work fine on a 350; it has the same bore size as a 327. While GM never catalogued this gasket in SERVICE for a 350, I don't know why. I think that this gasket, or one very similar to it, was actually used in PRODUCTION for most 350s.

[Tom H.]

Thanks Joe *NM*