C2 - Source of GM Parts

[Bob S.]

Hi Folks -

Who do you recommend as a source of GM parts? My 1966 327/350 (matching numbers) roadster needs a new rear main bearing oil seal, oil pan gaskets and fuel pump gasket.

Thanks,
Bob S.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2 - Source of GM Parts

Bob,

Thre is no huge reason to buy GM parts for these items, as even GM buys them from someone else and resells them to you at twice the price.

I'd use Fel-Pro for all 3 items. Currently the "hot" ticket for oil pan seals is the one-piece unit available from Fel-Pro (and a couple others now). It eliminates using 4 pieces as they're all molded together. That, inturn, eliminates leaks. Note that the Fel-Pro unit is bright blue, so you should paint the edges of it Chevy Orange before installation if you want to hide it for judging.

For a rear main seal, I'd also use the Fel-Pro unit. The part number is in the Archives, as is the number for the one piece oil pan gasket, but to be honest even my local AutoZone carries them. If you go with a "regular" set of oil pan gaskets, they have those available too.

Hope that helps,

Patrick

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: C2 - Source of GM Parts

Yep, Fel-Pro one piece oil pan, and I believe the Silicon rubber rear main seal and not the standard rubber one.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 - Source of GM Parts

Patrick and Bob-----

I also recommend the one piece oil pan gasket. GM uses these and sells these in SERVICE, too. However, they don't do it for older engines----just the newer ones that used this type gasket in PRODUCTION. These gaskets will not fit the earlier engines due to one piece rear main seal configuration and right side dipstick that all the GM offerings are configured for.

If you have an original oil pan, the Fel-Pro 1 piece is OS-34509T. If you have the 75+ style GM replacement oil pan for 63-74 Corvettes, then you need the OS-34510T. The GM "4 piece" set is GM #14079400 if you have an original pan and GM #14079399 if you have the replacement. They're made by McCord, Fel-Pro, or Detrot Gasket but have "GM" stamped on them. I wouldn't use the 4 piece gasket, though.

The fluroelastomer rear main seal curently available from GM under GM #10121044 or from Fel-Pro under their number 2912 are ABSOLUTELY IDENTICAL. In fact, sometimes the Fel-Pro part will be seen with the number "10121044" embossed on it in tiny font just like the GM piece has on it. I wonder what that means?

The fuel pump gaskets you get from GM are the same as you could get in an auto parts store.

[Bob S.]

Re: C2 - Source of GM Parts

Guys - Thanks for the great information. I'll definitely go with the one piece pan gasket and flouroelastomer main seal.....good to take advantage of advancements in design/technology/materials whenever possible.

Joe - How can I tell the difference between the original style pan and the 75+ replacement pan?

Thanks again.

Bob S.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 - Source of GM Parts

Bob------

Place the pan upside down on a flat surface. Measure from the flat surface to the center of the front oil pan seal surface (i.e. the radius). If it's 2-1/4" you have an original pan; if it's 2-3/8", you have the 75+ replacement.