I have recieved two different answers from tech (from the same company) the first guy said `no problem`I went ahead and ordered x2 coated shim style...and now I get this email. App is 350cid 1992 4 bolt truck block with RHS vortec 2.02-1.6 steel heads. I would think SBC gen1 gaskets are good to go...except for intake, oil pan, 1 pc rear main, etc.

Dear dfarr67,
Hi,
This shim style head gasket is NOT embossed correctly for the coolant passage on the Vortec engines and will NOT seal properly. The only gaskets that will seal correctly in the later Vortec is 3441003 (eBay item # 200730085657) or 3441004 (eBay item # 120879975587). These are not a shim style gasket to benefit increase in compression. You may want to check with Felpro direct for availability.
Thanks,

- speedway_motors

 

Sounds like a load of BS considering Vortec heads use the exact same cooling passages as normal SBC heads.

Anyways, you didnt list any other specifics on your motor, but if I were you, Id stick with the good old tried tested and true Fel-Pro 7733PT2 head gaskets.

 

I've got some Vortec 1094s about to go on my 350 with Vortec heads. If I get a chance, I'll take a picture of the head gasket on the bottom of the cylinder head to see how everything lines up. Like Metal Head said, they should be fine.

 

What do you need for specs?
I think the vortec (style) has been used on just about any gen1 block going. I haven't measured piston to deck as the engine has some issues to deal with first- I ordered these to have on hand, and may have to move to another part number.
I've been reading that these have been used with good success the only failure was leaking coolant on a thirdgen thread- but that could be incorrect preparation.
And it's split between use of a good sealer such as copper coat or using dry- I do have a can, but am leaning towards putting on dry as that is as designed- the raw shim hg I would use the sealer.

 

I looked up those other part numbers- and I believe they are incorrect- one is a mls (I don't have the finish for it), the other is composite- both are larger than 4.100in.

 

Don't choose your head gaskets until you have. You want the piston-to-deck plus the compressed gasket thickness to be as close to .040 as possible.

 

http://www.carcraft.com/projectbuild...n/viewall.html

 

Note they came up with .039" - .024" in the hole, .015" compressed thickness. That's mighty close to .040", and above the recommended minimum .035" from the piston manufacturer.

 

Was on the phone to Richmond Racing Engines this morning about getting my head repaired, he uses alot of the oe vortecs for racing classes- quality aside he likes the oe rather than RHS in his opinion for racing every pound of iron counts but interestingly he said the oe's cool faster than the heavier castings. Also he looked at the 1094 and doesn't recommend them as there apparantly is a coolant passage difference. He does like the GM .029 composite.

 

I finally got those pics I promised. The only place where I don't see a 100% perfect match to the coolant ports is up at the top where the large coolant holes are, but based on what I can find, all head gaskets have the same restriction here.

Here's a pic of the head gasket sitting on my Vortec head. Notice that the gasket lines up perfectly with the coolant ports, with the exception of the tiny pin-hole openings below the intake runners:


Here's a pic of the head gasket offset on my block to illustrate the pinhole openings compared to the large block & head openings:


Based on what I'm reading, this is intentional in order to promote more even coolant flow to the back of the block, and is common on most/all other head gaskets. Below is a pic of the composite Fel Pro gaskets that I used previously with my 461 heads:


I've got enough confidence now that I don't see any issue with the 1094s with vortec heads.

The composite .029" GM gasket that you want to use (10105117) has the same pinhole arrangement:

 

Use the 10105117 you can't do better.

 

I guess that when a Cometic dealer really likes the GM 10105117 I'm willing to listen. Based on my location and parts availablilty I just ordered what I think I will need- when things are measured that'll be the time to really get serious. I would be curious to put both of these gaskets side by side and see wtf. My main thinking is too optimize my quench. As an aside- the engine was spec'd for a truck with some towing in mind and Mahle at the time (and looks like they still do) had a 'hole' in their piston lineup that went roughly from 9:1 to 10.5:1 I would have preferred to go 9.5:1 with iron heads. So...64cc heads at 9:1- where would 61cc heads get me if I went alum?
PS- the bore is 4.030in and the GM gasket is listed as 4in, how do I order what I need?

 

Bumping a very old thread I know - but I think its valid information for anyone that is doing the same searches that I am.

I tried to use the 1094 Felpro's on my AFR195's (#1038) which I believe use the same "Vortec" style gasket and the coolant seal around the outside of the head was indeed different.

 

Fel pro 1094s on my GM vortec heads on a gen 1 sbc 355. 25,000 miles so far and doing great. Runs at 180*