C2 engine gaskets

[Eugene B.]

Members,
I'm looking for input regarding choice of engine gasket set for rebuilding my '65, 250HP.

Which manufacturer would provide most authentic gaskets? This would include steel head gaskets (they are steel, right?), pan, intake, exhaust, valve cover, etc.

I know that Fel-Pro gaskets are excellent, my concern is that they are not authentic in appearance.

I would also appreciate input regarding a great set of piston rings and crankshaft bearings.

As always, thanks in advance.

Regards,
Gene

[mike mccagh]

Re: C2 engine gaskets

i use felpor but get the intake to head gaskets from gary pronesti as the felpros, in this location, are judgable and garys are as close as you'll get short of finding a NOS set of GM's. i'd use the felpro head gaskets instead of the steel. better seal,lower compression, which isn;t usually a concern with the 250 hp sbc. mike

[Brian M.]

Re: C2 engine gaskets

I had my engine builder cut my Felpro gaskets to resemble the original, The National judges picked right up on it.

[mike mccagh]

Re: C2 engine gaskets

yes, hard to hide the blue felpro intake to head gaskets. pronestie's are black like orig's. mike

[Mike Swanson]

Re: C2 engine gaskets

Yeah, wouldn't you think that Fel Pro could get the color and shape of the gasket correct? They work the best but they sure are ugly with that neon blue color. I used some VHT Natural Cast Iron paint on mine after they were installed to cover the ugly blue in the center area of the manifold/head and they look great. You can't even tell they're there. The color matched the natural cast color of the head perfectly.

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 engine gaskets

Gene-----

Well, it all depends on what's most important to you----"authenticity" or functionality. If it's "authenticity", then use the following:

1) head gaskets----steel shim type; no longer available from GM; some of the "budget" head gaskets still available in auto parts stores might be this type;

2)intake----use Paragon reproduction. For complete "authenticity" you'll need to find a set of pre-1969 GM intake gaskets (of any side gasket configuration) and use the end seals with the embossed, tiny "GM" logo;

3)oil pan----use GM #14079400 (if you're sure the oil pan is an original). The gaskets can't really be seen, anyway, though. Even the edges are painted when the engine is painted as an assembly;

4) valve covers---Dr. Rebuild "no extra holes" GENUINE CORK gaskets. These are as authentic as you can get.

Of course, if FUNCTIONALITY is your primary concern, then do the following:

1) heads---Fel-Pro PermaTorque Blue #1003

2) intake----Paragon reproduction. Use only the side gaskets. Replace end seals with Permatex Ultra Copper RTV

3) oil pan----Fel-Pro 1 piece #OS 34509T (if original pan)

4) valve covers---Fel-Pro Cork Lam #1604

Other engine parts

Cam Bearings----Durabond

Main Bearings----GM (expensive) or Federal-Mogul Premium Aluminum (AP) (same as GM and much less expensive but hard to find)

Rod Bearings----same as mains

Piston Rings----Federal-Mogul Speed-Pro/Perfect Circle Moly Rings OR

Total Seal Moly Rings

[Mike Swanson]

Re: C2 engine gaskets

Thanks,

Thanks for the excellent list. That's a keeper to be printed and put away with valuable reference material. I really appreciate your tip on the Permatex Ultra Copper RTV for intake end seal a while back. I just completed engine reassembly and using this method with no end seals saved endless problems with movement of the end seals and I now have a leak-free manifold.

Have great Memorial Day weekend...Mike