Sbc steel head gaskets
 

im going to use some GM #3830711 (.022" X 4" bore) steel shim head gaskets on a 350ci. corvette resto.... they have come with a black coating (looks like gloss paint) so do they still need sealer as in permatex red spray type? any experiences will help thankyou.

Re: Sbc steel head gaskets
 

The "red spray stuff" you refer to is Hi Tack and was the sealer of choice for most of us that used steel shims many years ago. Some guys had their own secret sauce (Hylomar, GM brown glup, Super 300 and other conk) but Hi Tack works pretty good.
Dont breathe the stuff cuz it will make you more goofy than Art Leong. TT

Re: Sbc steel head gaskets
 

I've used those black coated GM head gaskets several times and do not use a sealer I think that coating serves as a sealer!

Re: Sbc steel head gaskets
 

Copper Coat spray always worked well for me......I've used those gaskets and they work fine but over a period of time and miles they can fail. I have seen them develop water leaks into an end cylinder right next to the dowel pin.....

Re: Sbc steel head gaskets
 

here's what i've found....GM # 3830711 steel shim gaskets ordered/recieved have come with a light gray gummy coating on them. .027" thick. there's no "DG" stamp on them like the old days. ("DG" stands for detroit gasket, who was bought out recently by ROL gaskets) the small tab overhanging w/the small ID hole is still present though. im not going to spay tack, the factory coating will be sufficient i'm sure. i will pay close attention to tourque settings/pattern during installation w/ribbs up...thankyou all for you input.

Re: Sbc steel head gaskets
 

you may wanna get a composition gasket... the steel shims will rust out in a street car especially one which doesnt run daily...

just a thought !

jack

Re: Sbc steel head gaskets
 

???? In how many years?!? Not an issue.

Re: Sbc steel head gaskets
 

we're going to run an antifreeze mixture in the engine so that should help prevent corrosion?