67 BB Intake gasket part numbers?

[Daniel E.]

All,

Can someone help me identify the application for the following GM gasket set: 358813 grp.289 The kit contains the following intake gasket sets:

• Square port stamped with McS4583 3940903
• Oval port stamped with GM353071

I would like to use the oval gaskets for my 67 BB 390HP rebuild if the parts are correct. If the parts aren't correct, what numbers (gasket set and stamped numbers) should I look for?

Thanks in advance
Daniel

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 BB Intake gasket part numbers?

All,

Can someone help me identify the application for the following GM gasket set: 358813 grp.289 The kit contains the following intake gasket sets:

• Square port stamped with McS4583 3940903
• Oval port stamped with GM353071

I would like to use the oval gaskets for my 67 BB 390HP rebuild if the parts are correct. If the parts aren't correct, what numbers (gasket set and stamped numbers) should I look for?

Thanks in advance
Daniel

Daniel-----

GM #358813 was a complete head gasket SET (sometimes called a "valve grinding set") which included the head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets and several other gaskets. It was discontinued in July, 1977 and replaced by GM #470101. The latter was discontinued without supercession in September, 1987.

The 358813 gasket set serviced 1975-77 Chevrolet passenger cars and trucks with 454 engines. These engines were all oval port but they may have used a smaller port size than earlier oval ports.

What you apparently have are the "remnants" of a once-complete head gasket set + another gasket set "thrown in". I don't think that the rectangular port intake manifold gaskets were ever originally supplied with the 358813 kit. I suspect they were from another GM gasket set and "consolidated" into the package you have "somewhere along the way". They are not correct for an oval port engine like your L-36.

The oval gasket set you have may work and be 100% functional for your application even though they might not be correct as far as "externally visible" nuance. Here's what you need to do to check if you can use them:

1) compare the port size in the side gaskets to the ports on your heads or intake manifold. If they completely clear the ports (i.e. no "overlap" or "overhang"), then you've "crossed one bridge";

2) check the heat riser cross-over. If they have a blocked cross-over or metal plates covering the cross-over, you'll need to remove these assuming you want your choke to work and have a heat riser valve on your car.

Subject to the above issues, you can use them for your L-36.

The end gaskets in the kit will be of the "highly prized" GM-embossed variety. You will note that there will be a tiny "GM" embossed on these end gaskets. Judges look for this. So, it's a plus if you're having the car judged. Otherwise, you're better off to use RTV instead of the rubber gaskets.

If you want "correct" side gaskets from a judging perspective, purchase the Paragon reproductions and use the end seals from the set you have.

If you don't care about judging but find that you can't use the gaskets in the kit you have due to port mismatch, use gasket set GM #10174981.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 67 BB Intake gasket part numbers?

All,

Can someone help me identify the application for the following GM gasket set: 358813 grp.289 The kit contains the following intake gasket sets:

• Square port stamped with McS4583 3940903
• Oval port stamped with GM353071 Daniel

Daniel -- I've also got the same square port gaskets, and I thought they came from the gasket set # shown. But now after Joe L's post, I'm beginning to wonder if someone earlier had mixed up the 2 sets I've got. The 2nd set is gasket unit # 3917955 [contains all gaskets, rocker covers, head gaskets, exh. manifolds,carb, distrib. valve stem seals, etc.], which shows up in the '68 GM parts book. I previously thought that both these numbers included BOTH oval and square port intake sets; sort of a universal big block upper engine kit. Previous owners have obviously cherry-picked; now only the latter # has both square and oval intake gaskets, but not with the numbers you have indicated.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 BB Intake gasket part numbers?

Daniel -- I've also got the same square port gaskets, and I thought they came from the gasket set # shown. But now after Joe L's post, I'm beginning to wonder if someone earlier had mixed up the 2 sets I've got. The 2nd set is gasket unit # 3917955 [contains all gaskets, rocker covers, head gaskets, exh. manifolds,carb, distrib. valve stem seals, etc.], which shows up in the '68 GM parts book. I previously thought that both these numbers included BOTH oval and square port intake sets; sort of a universal big block upper engine kit. Previous owners have obviously cherry-picked; now only the latter # has both square and oval intake gaskets, but not with the numbers you have indicated.

Wayne-----


The GM #3917955 and GM #3957990 gasket sets probably did contain intake manifold gaskets for both oval and rectangular port heads. Those gasket sets serviced applications with both oval and rectangular port heads.

The GM #358813 gasket set never serviced any application other than those with oval port heads. So, it would seem unlikely that GM would have provided rectangular port intake gaskets. However, it's not beyond the realm of possibility. Sometimes, they get into a "groove" on the contents of sets like these and do things which are an "anachronism" and don't make sense.

[Daniel E.]

Re: 67 BB Intake gasket part numbers?

Thanks Joe and Wayne!

Does this gasket have the proper shape the judges are looking for?


Details of the oval port gasket


Details of the end gasket

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 BB Intake gasket part numbers?

Thanks Joe and Wayne!

Does this gasket have the proper shape the judges are looking for?


Details of the oval port gasket


Details of the end gasket

Daniel-----


The side gasket configuration is not quite right for a 1966-69 L-36. The upper edge is not configured as original for these years. However, the gasket depicted is 100% functional for any 1966-69 L-36. The end gasket with the "GM" logo is correct.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 67 BB Intake gasket part numbers?

Thanks Joe and Wayne!

Does this gasket have the proper shape the judges are looking for?


Details of the oval port gasket


Details of the end gasket

Daniel -- I think the judges are lookin for something like this:

All from GM upper gasket set # 3917955 Click on these 2 thumbnails.