which gaskets?

[chris3100]

I will be getting a used 3400 soon as one comes in to my local scrapper that I can hear run. Even if it runs flawlessly , I am from the school of thought to replace stuff now while its easy . I would like to replace ALL the gaskets in this engine . So what brand gaskets do you guys recommend? Seems i've heard bad of fel-pro and gm. Give me feedback guys! The more the better!

[caffeine]

GM graphite head gaskets seem to be the favourite, and Fel-pro for pretty much anything else (the problem-solver/permadry LIM gaskets especially). I seem to recall bad reviews of aftermarket front crank seals as well so probably best to get one from GM.

[robertisaar]

felpro makes multiple LIM gaskets... i THINK permadry plus are the metal framed ones, but that is what you're looking for, metal frame, not plastic.

[fat rabbit]

You'll want to stay away from the permadry plus lower intake gaskets, heres a good example why http://60degreev6.com/forum/showthre...r-quot-gaskets After having a look at my gaskets again mine too were taring off around the intake ports. GM designed there gaskets with metal tabs around the intake port so they won't crack and double sealed around the coolant ports, not only that but the GM lower intake gaskets are cheaper.

I may start a war with this but I'm just not impressed at all with Fel-Pro gaskets I'll only go with GM gaskets unless I'm time pressed.

[trotterlg]

Don't really understand the metal frame verses plastic frame issues. all the frame does is hold the gaskets in place while you bolt it down. The gaskets that seal all the ports seem to stick to the plastic better than they do the the metal, they seem to easily tear away from the metal frame and cause problems. I don't think I would be afraid to use anything that is out there as long as it fits properly. I used the plastic framed ones on a 3100 and have not had any problems, you can see the plastic frame fitting nicely around the edges of the LIM. Larry

[caffeine]

I think the idea of the metal gaskets is to prevent over torquing. But supposedly the newer GM gaskets have solved the problem by adding metal tabs. I haven't had any issues with the problem solver gaskets so far.

[trotterlg]

The metal in the metal frame gaskets never get compressed by the LIM, the metal just holds the real gaskets/seals in place. The plastic framed ones do allow the plastic frame to contact the LIM and heads with the real gasket being thicker than the plastic frame. Larry

[fat rabbit]

The redesigned GM gaskets box in the seals were with the problem solver gaskets the seals hold on to the metal frame, the problem solver gaskets don't even have metal tabs. They allow the lower intake manifold to expand and walk more compared to the redesigned GM gaskets and I think that's why I and some others have been seeing the seals separate from the metal frame, particularly on the rear head were a lot more heat is made.