53-55 6 cyl. Valve Cover Gasket Material?

[Eric F.]

The TIMJG mentions gaskets in the mechanical section but I couldn't find anywhere in the manual where it specifies the gaskets composition; I suspect it was cork. Does anyone know the color and type of material (cork, rubber) used for an original valve cover gasket?

P.S. For what it's worth this valve cover is one of the chromed ones.

[Mike M.]

Re: 53-55 6 cyl. Valve Cover Gasket Material?

tan cork. mike

[Eric F.]

Re: 53-55 6 cyl. Valve Cover Gasket Material?

Thanks Mike. I found they currently make two thicknesses in cork- 5/32" and 7/32". I think the thin one was original size. Do you know for sure?

[Mike M.]

Re: 53-55 6 cyl. Valve Cover Gasket Material?

not sure but i'd go with the thin one. the c-1 and c-2 sbc's used a thin one whereas the napa type gaskets are too thick. mike

[Gary H.]

Re: 53-55 6 cyl. Valve Cover Gasket Material?

If you are looking for a 53 gasket:

Chevs of the 40s

p/n 3694248

They were $10 last year! BTW, they are thick!

[Joe L.]

Re: 53-55 6 cyl. Valve Cover Gasket Material?

Thanks Mike. I found they currently make two thicknesses in cork- 5/32" and 7/32". I think the thin one was original size. Do you know for sure?

Eric------


Here's the deal according to GM and it's kind of interesting.

1953 Corvettes used gasket GM #3694248. This gasket was cork and 3/16" thick. They may also have used gasket GM #3696781. This gasket was 1/4" thick.

1954-55 (6 cyl) Corvettes used gasket GM #3708648. This gasket was cork and 5/32" thick. They may also have used gasket GM #3708646. This gasket was cork and 1/4" thick.

Later, the GM #3708648 became the SERVICE gasket for all 1953-55 6 cylinder Corvettes.

[Troy P.]

Re: 53-55 6 cyl. Valve Cover Gasket Material?

No better info than that!

[Eric F.]

Re: 53-55 6 cyl. Valve Cover Gasket Material?

Thanks everyone for the information. Especially Joe; you're right that is interesting. For those who are interested in purchasing the correct gaskets I offer my findings. After searching the regular corvette suppliers I checked with a couple of the big name auto parts stores and found Felpro makes the correct cork replacement gaskets in both thicknesses Here are the part numbers: FEL-PRO Part # VS50189C (5/32" thick)
FEL-PRO Part # VS50190C (7/32" thick); the prices ranged from $5.24 to $11.99.

Thanks again to each of you for sharing your knowledge.