Fel Pro or ACDelco LIM Gasket

[mainjet]

Which one is better or are they about even?

[brandonl2000]

From my understanding, the GM gaskets are a tad thicker, but as far as function, they are equal in that respect and both last just as long.

[BillBoost37]

I'd agree.

I like the GM's a touch more because they seem to have a little more meat to them. But what's important is they don't bow in from heat etc.

[mainjet]

Excellent, thanks guys.

I actually ordered the GM ones the other night just before I asked the question. I had used the Fel-Pro ones the first time so I thought I would try something a little different the SECOND TIME But then I got to thinking, am I doing the right thing?

The light blue strips and the little metal picks in the Fel-Pro kit confused me when I got it the first time. But I figured that was for a different application.

Also, I assume that the RTV Copper is the best thing to use on the corners of the LIM? I can't remember if I used the supplied RTV black that came with the Fel-Pro or my own RTV black the first time. I think I used the supplied stuff but that aint happinin' again..

[BillBoost37]

I like your thoughts. So here's the backup as to what the blue vs orange end seal difference. You are correct. The orange seal is 2nd design blocks and blue are first design.
http://www.grandprixforums.net/lim-g...ign-39522.html

I like to use the Ultra Copper as it's good for all fluids, all temps and does a great job. However if you get the Fel Pros and the rtv is included, it's still going to work perfectly fine.

[mainjet]

Thanks for that Bill. That clears some things up.

I don't know why my corners leaked.. I placed the head to LIM gaskets on. Then I put a nice blob of RTV in the corners, placed the end strips, then applied a second blob of RTV to the corners. I did get RTV squeeze out, not bad, just enough to feel that it sealed.

The Fel-Pro RTV seemed kind of thin on consistency to me.

The corners certainly are not spraying out by any means. But once I noticed the drip on the passenger side back corner, I dried it off and watched it (car not running). Very slowly the drip reappeared. So slow that I had to wonder if I was really seeing it. But after doing that process again I realized, yes, I am seeing it. Kind of a bummer but hey, things happen.

[The Guz]

Do any of you know the part number of the gaskets? I'm looking at rock auto to get the delco one's and they list the PN as 89017816.

Thanks

[mainjet]

I got my GM gaskets last night and I have to say that I like these much better than the Fel-Pro ones. The GM carriers are WAY thicker. On the Fel-pro the carrier is very thin aluminum and the rubber gasket is much taller. On the GM the opposite is true - the carrier is about an eigth of and inch think and rubber does not have to be as high.

I sure that they are both very good but I just like the beefyness of the GM and it seems like the intake will sit nice and solid on these gaskets. In other words - not as much ability to squeeze the intake down on the GM gaskets rubber as on the Fel-Pro taller rubber. Which I hope will give a nice even sealing over the entire surface. So I hope this makes the torqueing of the bolts more positive and solid.

So when mine leak again I think that I will use the GM gaskets again

[fastmvr]

Very helpful discussion as this is what my weekend will be spent doing.