Is the $18.99 pair of Mr Gasket gaskets available from Advance Auto any good (1988 GTA 350), or should I get something else. And don't tell me to get the expensive performance gaskets because I just can't afford it.

 

My machinest, whose has been building roundy-rounder SBC motors for 30+ years, recommends the regular ol .039" thick FelPro gaskets.
That's what I'll be buying next week.
I haven't priced them lately, but expect them to be competitively priced.

 

unless i have aluminum heads on an iron block i use the factory replacement from fel pro. fel pro is all i buy or use and never had a gasket related problem if i do my part right.

 

Your local GM dealer should have several pairs on the shelf, and they will likey be cheaper and fit better than the FelPros. I discovered an "issue" with FelPro gaskets when working with World SRTorker305 heads, and two World Products engineers basically stated that the FelPro designs aren't always current. GM incorporates improvements BACKWARD into their parts, so your replacement gaskets should be a better fit and quality. Unless you really want to change the compressed thickness for some reason, stay with the originals.

 

Wouldn't head gaskets from the dealer cost a lot more? The reason I am saying is because FelPros are about $20+ apiece, and Mr Gasket is $18.99 for the pair.

 

Check summitracing.com.
I saw them there for $14.95 a set.

 

Do you really want to buy cheap head gaskets?

 

Why not, they're easy to change.

 

Being as I'm almost broke, yes. Being as I don't intend to race this thing for quite some time (i.e. not until I have money and can put in aluminum heads at which point I will have to put on better gaskets).

 

a head gasket for my 305 from my gm dealer only cost me 24.99. The 5 bucks extra gave me piece-of-mind knowing that the factory trusts these gaskets enough to put them on the cars they make.

 

Eh, I went ahead and ordered the Summit Racing package. 2 head gaskets w/ exhaust gaskets (and intake gaskets that I can't use...had to order the FelPro TPI gaskets) for $26.00...not bad. I figure they know what they're doing.