Best Engine Gasket set to use

[Greg]

Hello everyone, I am putting the engine back together in my 65 and wondered which engine gasket set is recommended.  Thanks, Greg

[shelbydoug]

I like the fel-pros but there can be silly issues with certain gaskets.

First off, you need to decide which head gasket fits your combination best. They are made in different thicknesses and bore diameters. Using one vs. the other changes the actual compression ratio.

You can actually vary that by about .5 compression point.

The other thing with Fel-pros is they can be a little too hard on things like the thermostat housing gasket. I actually had to double mine to get it to compress enough to seal.

Also, under no conditions use the cork s shaped gaskets under the intake manifold. There you need to use silicone sealant. The cork is just too thick and will not compress enough to seal the corners of the intake manifold gaskets.

[gt350hr]

  "Driver" or "Concours" makes a difference.

[Greg]

Randy,

What would be the best for concours? 

Thanks, Greg

[gt350hr]

Randy,

What would be the best for concours? 

Thanks, Greg

         Original Ford gaskets. In the case of the intake they are white asbestos material and very obvious to judges. Same for head gaskets. Mc Cord gaskets ( no longer available on parts shelves) have a distinct tab and material pattern that is easily seen by a judge. For concours  "I" would recommend using the dreaded cork end seals . Then you have the "black cork" valve cover gaskets too. Lots of differences as you can see. I have many original gaskets "in stock" as I pick them up whenever I run across them for "special situations".
    Randy

[J_Speegle]

  "Driver" or "Concours" makes a difference.

+1  A question that should have likely been asked first. The path you choose for the car *how you plan to use and enjoy the car) should be your guide post for the vast majority of your choices

[shelbydoug]

  "Driver" or "Concours" makes a difference.

+1  A question that should have likely been asked first. The path you choose for the car *how you plan to use and enjoy the car) should be your guide post for the vast majority of your choices

Yes. Best and authentic aren't the same thing.