Gasket set confusion
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
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!
#2
Team Owner
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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.
#3
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
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?
#4
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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.
Eggcrates are 70-72.
#7
Drifting
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.
Pete