Engine rebuild /gasket kit preferences??

[scouthead]

been a while since i did any GM engine work, but im looking at a bunch now! Preferences on gaskets? Bearing manufacturers?

I'm specifically looking at preferences for GM 5.7 (both of mine are 88-95 LO5)

The last 2 engines I put together used Corteco gasket kits that my machinist ordered... not much experience with other brands. At the time i did NOT like the look or feel of the felpro gasket sets- didn't like the head gasket material or the fact that they didnt seem to have a steel backing (im sure they offer different types).

anyway, I'm not finding many search results for Corteco- would like to do the same again. they seemed to have good construction and a good coating. My heads and intake were matched to their gaskets, and I have notes somewhere on what the compressed thickness of the head gasket should be...

 

[scouthead]

but, if I cant find em- what's everybody using these days? anything to avoid?

 

[Bent77]

A lot of us order stuff through @folkenheath
He’s a straight shooter and has helped a ton of us either build engines or resolve engine issues

I’d ask him


Typically I stay with felpro

 

[6872xtc]

I have typically used Felpro.
Used some gaskets from NAPA over the years. So Victor-Rienz occasionally in there.

 

[76zimmer]

Fel pro, Ive used the blue stripe permatorque gaskets, and always have good results doing so.

 

[Wes Harden]

nothing wrong with felpro, used Victor and napa alot. Any gasket can fail if not installed correctly. Care and attention to detail. Almost any gasket will do.

 

[folkenheath]

Cortico? Do you mean Cometic?

Cometic offers MLS (multi layer steel) head gaskets, FelPro does now too. They seal higher pressure but also require a finer finish on the deck surfaces than a std type Gasket.

I can get either. Victor Reinz is good quality as well.

I also recommend the newer 1 piece molded oil pan gaskets, they are a lot nicer than the 4 piece cork/rubber ended stuff.

 

[scouthead]

nah pretty sure its Corteco

the felpro intake gaskets have a lot of material between the runners. I would really like to find a replacement corteco set.

seem to be owned by Frueidenburg- im not familiar. have seen mention of them possibly making all the edlebrock gaskets


and yes, one piece silicone gaskets for the pan and the center bolt valve covers is a must have.

-edit- maybe i should look for something from edlebrock. it may end up being what im looking for with a 30 percent mark up for the name?

 

[folkenheath]

felpro intake gaskets have a lot of material between the runners.

They make several different port sizes for intake gaskets if you have heads with larger than stock ports. 1205, 1206, etc.