gaskets

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 14, 2013 | 10:42 AM

Blow Torch

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 3,011

Likes: 9

From: Dublin GA

gaskets

I know it's a newbie type question, but although I've built at least a dozen engines over the years, this will be the first LSx build (from a shortblock)
Question;
I will be swapping over everything from my shortblock to a built one, and although I REALLY don't need a lot of things out of the complete engine build kits (intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets, exhaust gaskets, seals, etc) will I be better off just buying a complete kit and "saving the extra parts" or do you guys buy your front end kits and head gaskets separate?
Thanks

Oct 15, 2013 | 12:59 PM

Blow Torch

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 3,011

Likes: 9

From: Dublin GA

for example, shouldn't I be able to get this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LS1-LS6-Timing-Cover-Gasket-Set-4-8-5-3-5-7-6-0-/221225143699?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item33820bcd93&vxp=mtr
and this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GM-LS1-LS6-MLS-Cylinder-Head-Gasket-Kit-Pair-New-GM-3-920-Bore-/290996280929?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c0bade61&vxp=mtr
and this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-2013-Corvette-Oil-Pan-Gasket-/370732848934?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACorvette&hash=item5651665726&vxp=mtr
for a substantial savings? ($140)

Oct 15, 2013 | 03:55 PM

zeevette

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 11,060

Likes: 291

From: Pasco WA

I'm not sure what you mean by "built shortblock". What're the specifics on your new parts, and parts you mean to reuse?

Oct 15, 2013 | 04:30 PM

Blow Torch

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 3,011

Likes: 9

From: Dublin GA

I am buying an assembled shortblock, so I don't need any bearings, rings, seals etc.
I just installed a FAST intake and Dart heads with new center bolt valve covers, so I don't need those gaskets except for the head's.
My springs will come with valve seals, so I don't need those.
I reuse my exhaust gaskets with my headers so I don't need those.

Swapping timing set, water pump, heads, lifters, intake, oil pump, thermostat and oil pan
Don't want to buy a bunch of overpriced gaskets I don't need, but sometimes you can get a better price with a "set". In this instance, it might not be the case.

Oct 15, 2013 | 06:23 PM

zeevette

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 11,060

Likes: 291

From: Pasco WA

The reason I asked is because where do you want your final compression to be? The GM MLS gaskets are all I've used, (.054 compressed IIRC) but I also copper spray them because it's cheap insurance, with high CR, and boost. Also, if your new block is not the stock bore, it'll change your CR. (stroke, too) Cometic gaskets as thin as .040 are good quality, but expensive. Still, a cheap way to get a little more compression.

Oct 16, 2013 | 03:00 AM

RonSSNova

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 4,447

Likes: 408

From: Portland OR

Blow Torch,
You got it right, that ought to do you fine.
Ron

Oct 16, 2013 | 07:39 AM

0Josh@SpartanLSX

Former Vendor

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 278

Likes: 17

From: Auburn/Dacula/Lawrenceville Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blow Torch

Swapping timing set, water pump, heads, lifters, intake, oil pump, thermostat and oil pan
Don't want to buy a bunch of overpriced gaskets I don't need, but sometimes you can get a better price with a "set". In this instance, it might not be the case.

You will need the front cover timing set. That kit comes with the cover gasket, front crank seal, WP gaskets, etc. I would change all of those even though they're considered "reusable".

Oil pan gasket has to be bought separate.

I'd change EVERY gasket you can access during the build. It will save a lot of heartache in the end. Every time I go against my instinct and reuse an old gasket I wind up having to go in and change it so I just don't do that anymore.

Putting a very thin layer of high temp RTV all along the frame of the oil pan gasket as well as a little dab on each oil pan bolt will prevent an oil pan and/or oil pan bolt leaks down the road. GM actually started doing this from the factory in the later GEN IV year engines due to so many engines leaking from that area.

Good luck.