SB Valve cover gaskets

[Ed S.]

Looking for correct (or near correct as possible) valve cover gaskets for a 64 L76. Felpro makes two types of cork gaskets available at NAPA. One is 7/32" thick - the other is 5/32" thick. Which is more correct or closer to original gaskets?

Is there a difference in performance between the two? My guess is that the thicker gasket would have a tendency to compress a bit more. Is one thickness preferred over the other for a SB application?

[John D.]

Re: SB Valve cover gaskets

Hi Ed, A friend and customer asked me which gasket at NAPA should he purchase for his 9 fin valve covers.
Since I have seen more valve covers than I care to remember my only comment was this. Using the thicker gasket would help prevent leaks. I put a straight edge on the valve covers and so many are definitely bowed.
Now to wait and see what others say Ed.

[Ed S.]

Re: SB Valve cover gaskets

Thanks John - checked the mating surfaces of my covers, laser straight & clean. You have a good point - thicker provides more material to compress - that is the way I will go --- and re-torque the fasteners after a few hot - cold cycles.

[Terry M.]

Re: SB Valve cover gaskets

Ed,

I'm not exactly sure what was originally used but assume it was the "skinny" gaskets. I used the thin ones for my restoration (not yet judged) as I thought they would be most accurate. You can see the gaskets at the bolt hole locations. They should be cork, not rubber or composite if you will be having the car judged. My valve covers are aluminum and straight so sealing was not a problem with the thin gaskets.

Terry