I’ve used the LS9 on my L33 ever since the FelPro I tried failed. They weren’t the same FelPro you have.

 

think that’s the route I’m taking

 

That sucks....Id go LS9 too.

 

Tooley needs to have his supplier start making 9 layer LS9 type gaskets for the smaller bore engines.

 

I agree. My buddy keeps ls9 gaskets on hand so i'm just gonna grab a set from him and get a refund on these fail pros. Maybe their failure caused me to dodge a bullet. Everything happens for a reason. I tell you this, that company has zero urgency to customer satisfaction.

 

Its funny the issues I had with this build. First it was a piston that the pin wouldn't go into. Then it was a clevite bearing that looked and felt like sandpaper. These gaskets are cut wrong. And for some reason I didnt had any windage tray bolts with my stud kit. My intake valve tip was chewed up and i had a badly worn exhaust valve guide. whew. Summit did take care of me quickly and my buddy changed the guide and did a valve job and had it back to me the next day. But DAMN.....

 

I honestly wouldn't worry one bit about carefully elongating the hole a bit to match up. We're talking very little surface area. You could use a small file and open that up in a couple of minutes.

Just do it away from the engine (Obviously) and make sure blow off all of the debris.

And IMO, I hate Fel Pro. Maybe they're better now but I'd never use their Head Gaskets ever again

Here's a good gasket for your use.

https://www.summitracing.com/nv/part...8544/overview/

 

Itll all be worth it when you get back in boost

 

With the exception of the mucked up valve stem, I bet you didn't know you were working in Quality Control for several manufacturers did you? Ha!

My engine builder friends tell me they have to watch everything like a hawk these days.

 

That would be gm.
They are made by a German company. Good luck getting them to change though.

 

I hope so. I keep having to reassure myself that the little 5.3 is going to be stronger than the 5.7 because theres too many 5.3's running around making some really good power. and then I keep having to reassure myself because the 5.3 is gonna have less tq than a big motor, essentially.....possibly...letting my drivetrain live a little longer till i can afford to drop more money on that. I'm not gonna go full kill just yet...i've got to get my funds caught back up first. We been slow at work for the past three months, shorting me of 1000-1500 bucks per month. yuck. I'll get through it. Every time I get a package in, i get a text from the wife telling me "You rich". And i say "not as rich as you". She always has packages coming...more than me. But she knows my stuff aint cheap lol.

 

How many layers? It appears to be 3, although originally stated to be 5.

 

If you're referring to the NAL-12498544,those are 3 layer. Two outer steel layers with a composite center layer.

 

Tooley sells his own part number for the LS9 gasket. I believe it’s from the German supplier, it just doesn’t have the GM part number on it.

I was simply speculating that that he has gone directly to the source.
I realize it wouldn’t be a trivial change to the tooling to produce a smaller bore version. But would be nice!

 

Picked up a set of ls9 gaskets on the way home this evening. My buddy always got me covered. I was gonna order them, but too many fakes. He only carries the real thing. No brainer.

My valves didn’t make in yet so I had some time for other things. This isn’t part of the engine build really, but while it’s all off the car, might as well do it. I ceramic coated my manifold and header. I used the cerakote stuff. So far this stuff is unbelievable. I cannot got over how little amount I used on both items. I bought like half a quart because I didn’t believe what another member (Sorry forgot his name) on here was saying how it used so little. Well it’s amazing to say the least. I don’t think I used an oz. of the stuff. So now I’ve gotta find more stuff to coat lol.


here’s the manifold before (was blasted, looked rusty before)



and manifold and header after coating.

 

You might want to ask them, but i believe i am correct.
You can buy the same gasket from mahle or gm. They have different pn on the card but are identical otherwise.
Why would you need a smaller bore version? Are the 8544 not holding up? We both know they are and do, so making a smaller bore ls9 style isnt really necessary and would be a waste.

 

because the gaskets Bore hole is much larger than it needs to be and you lose a little bit of compression and that dead space might increase detonation sensitivity. Splitting hairs maybe buy everything adds up. Attention to details is what sets some apart from others.

 

Has anyone used cerakote? How has it held up for you? I have so much left, I was considering doing some other stuffs.

 

Wow manifold looks great! Did you use a rattle can or is it just for paint sprayer?

 

I used a small hvlp touch up gun. Cerakote. Holds up to 2000f. It’s the best thing you can buy as a non professional that I know of.