......you find you need a gasket that you can't find seperate, other than in a top-end gasket kit?

I like to replace these when I port and polish manifolds, and I do more than one at a time typically. This is for the LIM end cap, and seals the cap that is used to re-direct coolant flow throughout the LIM. They get dry and crusty, and the leaks cause the bolts to rust out. There'* no way I'll ship a LIM without pulling this, cleaning the surfaces, and sending it out in good shape. Besides, after I use all the abrasives, it'* nice to be able to clean out these passages, and it'* easier with the cap off:




Step 1:


Step 2:




Results:






10 mintues in CAD and file conversion to machine language. 5 minutes to cut each one (made several low-power passes to keep the cut clean). $9 in gasket material (enough to make about 20 of these).

John Wikoff gets a custom gasket installed, and another one riding along in the box for the future (he has another manifold or two). I have a FelPro to install, and a spare for myself, plus the saved file to make more any time.

This gasket material is vastly superior to the fiber OEM gasket. It'* a fiber/rubber composite.

Showoff.




I've got a whole roll of that excellent gasket material...just no CAD program and laser to cut it.

Says how thorough you are, my lazy arse would have just used GM gasket maker

Only ZillaMotorsports supplies custom laser cut and engraved gaskets.

Now that'* customer service.

I did this in about the same amount of time as it would take you, and I'll have no chance for leaks.

You can cut your own with an X-acto knife as well, if you have the original parts or the old gasket as a model.

I've got the CAD

Thats so awesome Wren!

How'* that corner line up with the parts?

That corner was radiused to match the gasket about 30 seconds after the pic was taken.

The new gasket is a perfect fit compared to the OEM (Fel-Pro), and far better material for contact with coolant. I'll get some pics up later to show the fit.

You choose.



FelPro:



ZM:



The choice is obvious. The new one has a rubber content for a better seal, and is more durable and rigid. It also covers the surfaces slightly better (I increased the rib widths by 0.050" all around).

I must say, I'm very impressed. That'* some pretty fine work!