Cometic vs Felpro Head gaskets...

[Jim V.]

Ok...a little bit of knowledge is dangerous, but is there any advantage of one over the other for a SB. I have read the Cometic is "reusable" which in my case may work out since I may use it first for the deck plate when honing my block. I also like the wide availability of thicknesses to enable dialing in of static compression ratios. Yes..I know the Cometics are more $$$$ but just reusing em once for the deck plate hone will justify the difference.

The Fel-pro 1003 has very positive feedback but anecdotally, I did have a leaker on my last motor. I went back to the steel shim and had no problem.

Thanks..

[Roy B.]

Re: Cometic vs Felpro Head gaskets...

Just do what makes you feel good and for get about whats right or wrong

[Joe L.]

Re: Cometic vs Felpro Head gaskets...

Jim------

I use the Cometic now. They are the leader in MLS technology and I like that technology. MLS type gaskets have solved a lot of sealing problems on engines with long history of head gasket sealing problems. So, my reasoning is that they ought to be bullet-proof on Chevrolet Gen I and II small blocks and all big blocks which have never really had serious head gasket sealing problems.

The Fel-Pro 1003 is not an MLS-type gasket; it's a permatorque composition gasket with stainless steel wire ring. However, it's an excellent gasket. I used them for years. You can't really compare a Fel-Pro 1003 to a Cometic MLS; they are completely different type gaskets.

Fel-Pro does make an MLS type gasket now for small blocks and big blocks, as well as many other engines. However, they are less experienced at MLS technology than Cometic. So, for the time being, I use Cometic. I do expect, though, that the Fel-Pro and Cometic MLS gaskets are about equivalent.

MLS is quite a bit more expensive than the Fel-Pro 1003 (and other) Permatorque gaskets. The 1003 can be bought for about 40 bucks each; the Cometic MLS are about 90 bucks each. So, there is a definite cost difference.

[Clem Z.]

i would be carefull using MLS type

gaskets on used heads and blocks without machining the surfaces.

[Bob S.]

Re: i would be carefull using MLS type

I'm sorry for jumping into this thread late, but could someone please enlightnen me on what "MLS" head gasket technology is? I tried searching and came up empty.

Many Thanks,
Bob S.

[Clem Z.]

check here for info

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:4dWtKvo4GVIJ:www.babcox.com/editorial/us/us80222.htm+MLS+head+gaskets&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=4