I am just going to bite the bullet, and dig right into my intake and heads. If they arn't where the oil leak is comming from, at least I know i've got good solid gaskets, enough to last me a long while. BUT, here'* my question. I can go to Rock Auto or GM parts direct or GM car parts.. wherever, and get my gaskets. But is that the best option? I know INTENSE makes 'em for the Series II, but I see nothing for the Series I, let alone the LN3. I also noticed they had a lower profile gasket to up the compression ratio just a smidge. Can I do that? I think it would be cool to up the compression a little, just to up the HP/TQ a little more. And one more question, if I do go to an aftermarket gasket, is there anything I should look for when choosing it? and as far as the installation, just some non-hardening gasket sealer will do, right?


-justin

I use Fel-Pro, and yes.

I've heard of them..

So, how would I go about buying, [or doing it myself], what kind of tools would I need, and how much can I take out, without comprimising the seal?


-justin

Don't pull the heads, doubt that'* the leak point, and getting it back right is better left to experience.

Autozone has Fel-Pro, they're just normal everyday gaskets.

You can't shave gaskets.

Don't you have a Chilton'* or Haynes? Don't pull any of it apart til you have a book. The bolt tightening specs are exact and the sequence is very important.

I have haynes and FSM.. I know the heads arn't a problem, but I figured I was there, I may as well take 'em out, replace the gasket, and do a port and polish.. clean 'em up too, that way for one, I will be confident the head'* won't be a problem later down the line, and two, I will maybe gain a little more hp/tq, probably not though.

So, I can't shave the gaskets, but can I get them in a thinner diameter?


-justin

Not that I know of... Never seen anylike that, Never looked for it either....

okay, well i'll be running to NAPA and Autozone sometime this week, and i'll see what they have in stock.

-justin

probably the only way your going to get thinner head gaskets is custom metal... probably copper

personally ... if your gonna pull the heads to clean em up anyways... and you want the better compression ... get em check and shaved

I wouldn't mess with the gaskets cause HG sealing in an area that too my knowledge the 3800'* don't have a problem with

and for that I recommend FelPro .. they are a hair more expensive then a general run of the mill gasket set... but you can get a whole upper gasket set , ,and I think they are worth the few extra bucks

Getting the heads checked and shaved costs money.. A friend of mine blew a head gasket in his camaro, and he kept driving it like the idiot he is, and warped the heads, got 'em machined back to life.. $300!! there is no way I can afford that. I will be checking them with a straightedge and if I see the slightest problem, then I will have to do something about it, but otherwise, there is no way I could afford to.

I know there isn't a common problem with the head gaskets on the 3800, but It would make me feel that much more secure, and confident the engine is going to last another 200,000 miles with little trouble [I say that with leaniency ].

As far as the process goes for cleaning them, its just removing the valves, springs, lifters, rods, and making sure they still have plenty of life in them, right? and then going after the cleaning process, and if I feel brave, the port and polish. Am I correct on this?


-justin

Don't mess with Fel-Pro. Some members here have had problems with them. You DON'T want leaks 2 weeks later.

NOBODY has had problems with the GM OEM gaskets. And they've been improved a couple times since your car was built. Buy the GM 'top end' kit, and just don't use the head gaskets.