What is the general concensus regarding the brand/style of valve cover gaskets to use on either the n/a or */c 3.8'*? I have one of each in the garage and both are begging for new gaskets. I am thinking the GM'* aren't all that great considering the common failure rate, but maybe they're the best of what'* available???? Help.....

I bought a set from Intense Racing. They are GM and but I have yet to install them.

I think I got mine from intense as well, been on for 2 years with no problems

I've used both factory parts and Fel Pro'*. Both will fail with enough time. What haqppens is the rubber seems to flatten out with enough heat cycles etc. Swaps are inevitable..probably somewhere around the 7+ year or 100K mile range.

I recently pulled mine for some work. Have had them 2-3 years and they looked ok. Not wanting to have a future leak and knowing I'd be dinking around in there some more, I replaced them again and don't have a leak.

Overall my thought is Fel Pro probably makes them for GM. There doesn't appear to be any differences except the prices.

Thanks for the input fellas. I have had that happen in the past when you pull the Fel-Pro gaskets out of the box and lay them next to the GM'* and struggle to find any difference between them other than the $$$. I have noticed that the */c cars seem (IMO) to blow these gaskets easier than the n/a cars. Are we getting too much positive crankcase pressure? Would a valve cover breather be in order?
Just wondering.....

It'* possible. A valve cover breather would help prevent that, but I would look at replacing the PCV if you are having this issue.

I replaced the PVC earlier this year as part of my tune up regiment. Since then, the leak at the gaskets hasn't appeared to have slowed. I've degrease the areas a few times in an effort to get a feel for how bad the gaskets are seeping, and it'* bad enough to warrant replacement. I guess it'* time to bite the bullet and get some gaskets.

Pick up a set and we can swap those out at the meet. A hour or so job. There will be a lot of extra hands here.

I have out of state guest for the weekend. I am hoping to break away a little though so I met the crew at your place. When do the festivities begin today?

Not much going on today, I'm just finishing my build. One member from Milwaukee was saying he wanted to come up today but not sure when. Saturday things start about 9 or so.