FoolCrzy

I'm getting ready to start putting my new engine together. I purchased Fel-Pro 1204's. I noticed the rear coolant passages are not blocked. The stock Gaskets have the rear coolant passages blocked. which type should I use? '89 L98.

Thanks!
Ron

1MoorTym

I'd stick to the stock gaskets to make sure you get the right ones. FYI - the manual is wrong as it wants you to put the blocked passages in the front. I put mine on the way the old ones came off towards the back.

The high performance head gaskets I bought from GMPP for my 89L98 are made by Felpro

FoolCrzy

Yep, that's what I figured. Any other thoughts anyone??? My head Gaskets are Fel-Pro... they look Bulletproof. the Intake Gaskets are very nice also. I'd really like to use them. Will I have any problems with the rear passages open???

jfb

The factory gaskets last only about 1 1/2 yrs and start leaking coolant. When the warranty ran out, I paid extra for the Fel-Pro teflon coated gaskets and haven't replaced them since. I highly recommend them.

FoolCrzy

I agree about the quality, but what about the coolant passage issue???

Kevin 88

Even though the rear passages aren't blocked by the gasket, the coolant has nowhere to go, so it shouldn't hurt anything. Use the Fel-Pro.

h rocks

Use the proper gaskets with the rear passages blocked. A knucklehead installed the wrong ones last year on me, and I didn't find out until I tore into the motor to remove the heads. I at first thought it was my imagination that the car ran hotter last year, ( even with a 160 stat, and 180 deg dual fan switch) The stock GM intake gasket is very good for a stock base, and Felpro makes the correct one also. Make sure that both components are sparkling clean (no scotch brite!) and use some RTV around the rear coolant passage.

[This message has been edited by h rocks (edited 08-01-2001).]

FoolCrzy

That's what I was thinking. I figured they needed to be blocked.