on my 97 se, i know the UIM gasket was changed about 30k miles ago. as i am selling it, and for good measure, i would like to replace the oe intake. I have the APN kit. but i want to do the LIM gaskets while im there, just to go the extra mile, and do it right. and i will be on my way to the parts store as soon as i know which one to get.

My questions comes from the listing. they call for 2 different gaskets. 1st and 2nd design. Are they interchangable? They look exactly the same, but the second design has plastic guides. Does this just make it easier for install, or was there a change in the LIMs?

IIRC, it'* a change in the pieces that cross the edges of the block (pins added for alignment) and that they are both cross-compatible.

Hold for another opinion though.

Yep, the newer design (changed mid year 1997) LIM plastic frame gasket adds locating pins for the side rails under the LIM. Some designs also provide steel rings around the bolt holes to prevent crushing the plastic from over-tightening the LIM bolts. That LIM torque spec is 11 ft-lb IIRC. I would add some blue loctite to the bolts.

We recommend aluminum frame LIM gaskets, but new plastic frames should last longer than OE if you change out the DEX for "mixes with any type or color" coolant. The aluminum frame gasket comes with side rail seals with locating pins just like the newer design plastic ones. These will work fine on older engines. You can cut off the pins or just let them hang out. They won't hurt a thing.

I am not so sure that the older style straight side rail seal will work as well as the newer one with pins on a block with locating holes in the side rails. So, I would say get the newer style gaskets; we know they work well on both style side rails. Jr's3800 likes to run a bead of rtv silicone along those side rail seals to minimize oil seepage over time. I don't - mine seep.

ok i will get the second design. and i thought about the aluminum ones, but i dont want to wait any longer to do this. i want to get it done today. im going with the fel-pro. they will be fine for quite a while. so, im off the the store.

thanks guys