Gasket set confusion

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May 21, 2011 | 09:54 AM

markids77

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Melting Slicks

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From: Savannah GA

Gasket set confusion

I want to reseal my new 1980 350 (thanks Mike and Pat!) and shopping online leads me to a question. Most complete gasket sets list as good for years 1957-1979, then 1983-1986, etc. I think the later kits are due to the advent of fuel injection but there seems to be a void in coverage for my year model. What changed in 1980 to make these earlier kits not fit? Thanks!

May 21, 2011 | 12:02 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Your 350 is generic Chevrolet. You can get a complete gasket set over the counter at any of the auto parts houses.

May 21, 2011 | 04:03 PM

markids77

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Melting Slicks

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From: Savannah GA

That is true, but I was wondering what details changed in 1980 to require different gaskets. There seem to be, for instance, "thick" and "thin" type steel reinforced neoprene oil pan gaskets... I'm unsure what those descriptors denote, and exactly when the change happened? I'm curious to see if we can pinpoint this. There are certainly folk here who can differentiate between early 1968 and 1969 eggcrate front grills on sight... why not this detail as well?

May 22, 2011 | 11:18 AM

Easy Mike

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Purchase a How To Rebuild Your Smallblock Chevrolet book. If there are any actual differences in gaskets, it will say something about them.

Eggcrates are 70-72.

May 22, 2011 | 06:13 PM

corvetteload

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From: Confusion

One of the changes that I am aware of is the dipstick changed sides, so the gasket is usually symmetrical for the oil pan.

May 22, 2011 | 08:51 PM

markids77

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Melting Slicks

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From: Savannah GA

Thanks Bruce. That's the kind of info I was hoping for. Any takers on thick/thin profile oil pan gaskets?

May 22, 2011 | 09:16 PM

PeteZO6

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From: Cameron Park CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by markids77

Thanks Bruce. That's the kind of info I was hoping for. Any takers on thick/thin profile oil pan gaskets?

I think what you are referring to is the depth of the front cover cutout in the oil pan. There are two different front cover/pan combinations, and you need to know what you have when ordering an oil pan gasket.

It appears from my notes that the change was about '75. The Fel-Pro one piece oil pan gasket OS 34510 T is shown for 1975-1985. I believe 1986 is when Chev. went to a one piece rear main seal, so the gasket changed again.

And the dipstick location, left or right also comes into play, too. Nothing is simple