Stainless steel LIM gasket??

[TrueWildMan]

I'm getting geared up to change out my LIM gasket. I called around and it seems that there were two options: the nylon gasket that we know sucks, and a stainless steel one? Did the guy just not know what he was talking about, or do I need to go somewhere special for the aluminum ones? Or will stainless steel be fine?

Thanks.

[94SilverSSEi]

Guy prolly didnt know what he was talking about
I didnt know there was a stainless steel??

Only the aluminum and the crappy ones

[J Wikoff]

He was just confused.

[harofreak00]

I'd probably go with the chrome plated brass gaskets. (kidding)

Who did you call? If it was the dealer, he just meant the aluminum ones. If a parts store told you SS, then I have no idea what he meant. The aluminum ones are a GM part only.

[Archon]

It could possibly have been a Felpro gasket. I haven't seen the metal ones for the 3800, but I have for the 3100/3400. They have what appears to be stainless frames.

[TrueWildMan]

I'd probably go with the chrome plated brass gaskets. (kidding)

Who did you call? If it was the dealer, he just meant the aluminum ones. If a parts store told you SS, then I have no idea what he meant. The aluminum ones are a GM part only.

I called my usual trusty local AutoZone.

Ok, called him back, the part number is FEL-PRO Part # MS98014T. He said again that they were the steel ones, I asked if they were aluminum or stainless steel, he said he wasn't sure, was just looking at the picture. So probably aluminum, still doing some checking. Probably won't go with them because they want about $20 more for it, though it is a kit, includes everything needed to do the job.

[TrueWildMan]

Yep, it's aluminum.

Does the Intense set include the injector o-rings and sleeves, and updated bolts, etc that the Fel-Pro kit does?

[LeSabreUltra]

Yes, the Intense kit does. I have used it before, think it may actually be the one in there now. Two years and probably close to 20k trouble free miles.

Definitely spring for the metal frame. The plastic ones can fail even without Dex-Cool, I've seen it happen before. They just aren't a very good design.
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[00Beast]

Which Intense kit is that Dan? The one I link to has just the gaskets, nothing more. I didn't see a "kit".

http://intense-racing.com/Merchant2/mer ... ry_Code=GH

Also, you shouldn't need bolts unless you break some. I didn't know Fel-Pro made an aluminum gasket kit for the 3800. Obviously no one that I know of on here has used one, so I can't advise for or against it. I think the GM gaskets are the way to go, though. Get the Injector o-rings, S/C gasket and o-rings, and a TB gasket at your local parts store. If you need valve cover gaskets get them there too. You did make sure yours haven't been replaced, right? With the rockers and other parts you have, I wouldn't be surprised if they had already been replaced.

[01bonneSC]

I went ahead and dropped the coin on this set...
http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix ... &catid=103

Now I have all the gaskets Ill ever need. Includes elbows.

[harofreak00]

That doesn't come with aluminum LIM gaskets though.

[Mechanical Mike]

"Aluminum lower intake manifold gasket"
about 2/3 down on the list

[harofreak00]

Oh ok, I was just looking at the picture.

[LeSabreUltra]

Which Intense kit is that Dan? The one I link to has just the gaskets, nothing more. I didn't see a "kit"

My mistake, no the Intense gaskets (not kit, now that the brain memory is spooled up) did not include LIM bolts, but they did include new injector O-Rings, and I remember a few other extras as well. Like Ed said you really have no need for new LIM bolts unless you break or bork one, which you are very unlikely to do. The LIM will get messed up before the bolts will.

As per the Fel-Pro aluminum gasket set, I have one on my truck (4.3) and it's very nice, I'm sure the 3800 set is just as good.



That's the only pic of my aluminum Fel-Pros that I could find.

From what I've seen, every aluminum gasket I've used (GM dealer, Intense, Fel-Pro) has been equal in quality. I'd go with the best price you could find.
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[Jrs3800]

MS98014T Is the updated aluminum set... I would use this set as well..I notice this set comes with seals for the blocks with and without set pins for the end seals...


The older 2nd design plastic ones are MS95809-1

[01bonneSC]

That doesn't come with aluminum LIM gaskets though.

Yeah they cut the box open and slip in GM ones that are in their own packaging.

[agrazela]

MS98014T Is the updated aluminum set... I would use this set as well..I notice this set comes with seals for the blocks with and without set pins for the end seals...


The older 2nd design plastic ones are MS95809-1

This a bit of a revelation, if FEL PRO is indeed now selling aluminum LIM gaskets. Time to update all those tech articles!

[Jrs3800]

We will have to do that...