67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

[David J.]

Anyone have a "modern materials" L36 valve cover gasket recommendation? Since I drive the car, I'm interested more in sealing capabilities rather than points. Thank you.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

Anyone have a "modern materials" L36 valve cover gasket recommendation? Since I drive the car, I'm interested more in sealing capabilities rather than points. Thank you.

David----

My recommendation is Fel-Pro Cork-Prene. This is a cork and rubber gasket with a steel core. It's been around a LONG time and it works. They're expensive; good things usually are.

[David J.]

[Keith B.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

For what's it worth I have been running the Paragon correct color cork gaskets in my Chevelle 396 for the last four years with zero leaks with stamped steel chrome covers.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

David-----

I mis-spoke since I was relying purely on memory. Cork-Lam is the correct name for the gaskets I use and recommend.

[David J.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

Joe,
I'll order a set. Thank you for the info.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

So what's the story with the silver GM service BB valve cover gaskets sold in the late '60's (and maybe beyond) ? What about the angle cut on the tab ? I show a slightly thicker Mr Gasket set for comparison).

[Wayne M.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

Joe -- looking at an old 1994 Fel-Pro catalog, for BB valve covers, I see both Fel-CoPrene 5/32" rubber, part # 1605. Also, Cork-Lam 5/16" cork-rubber with steel core; part # 1630. There's a picture of a Blue Stripe Cork/Lam valve cover gasket on the back cover. So your memory is not too far off.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

Joe -- looking at an old 1994 Fel-Pro catalog, for BB valve covers, I see both Fel-CoPrene 5/32" rubber, part # 1605. Also, Cork-Lam 5/16" cork-rubber with steel core; part # 1630. There's a picture of a Blue Stripe Cork/Lam valve cover gasket on the back cover. So your memory is not too far off.

Wayne-------

OK, thanks. I'm out-of-town so I could not check my catalogs. I don't recall if I ever used the Fel-CoPrene but I definitely used the Cork-Lam and still use it, both small block and big block. I've got large number of the NOS GM gaskets but I'd much rather use the Cork-Lam.

[Mark E.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

Does the Cork-Lam seal better than Fel-Pro's silicone rubber with a steel core? The Cork-Lam is a bit less expensive between the two.

Also, for BBC, photos indicate these may not have locater tangs. Do they really not have these? For a BBC, I'm looking at:

Fel-Pro 1630

• Cork-Lam is used in applications where high-vacuum or blowout conditions can be a special problem
• Features a thicker-than-normal gasket providing exceptional torque retention
• Uses a metal core with cork-rubber material chemically and mechanically bonded on both sides

Fel-Pro 1635

• Rigid core, molded silicone rubber gaskets provide for ease of installation
• Reusable for situations such as setting valve lash
• Features high-tech silicone for long life, solid steel core for strength and stainless steel compression limiters

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

Does the Cork-Lam seal better than Fel-Pro's silicone rubber with a steel core? The Cork-Lam is a bit less expensive between the two.

Also, for BBC, photos indicate these may not have locater tangs. Do they really not have these? For a BBC, I'm looking at:

Fel-Pro 1630

• Cork-Lam is used in applications where high-vacuum or blowout conditions can be a special problem
• Features a thicker-than-normal gasket providing exceptional torque retention
• Uses a metal core with cork-rubber material chemically and mechanically bonded on both sides

Fel-Pro 1635

• Rigid core, molded silicone rubber gaskets provide for ease of installation
• Reusable for situations such as setting valve lash
• Features high-tech silicone for long life, solid steel core for strength and stainless steel compression limiters

Mark-------


I've not used the 1635. The 1630 Cork-Lam works perfectly for me so I've had no inclination to try anything else.

[Mark E.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

I received the FelPro 1630 CorkLam valve cover gaskets today from Amazon.

They came with no packaging. Is this normal? No packaging means no branding so I'm wondering if they're really FelPro.

They don't have tangs that fit into the valve covers. I guess they're not essential, but will aesthetically look odd on the engine. Is there another FelPro CorkLam product with tangs?

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

I received the FelPro 1630 CorkLam valve cover gaskets today from Amazon.

They came with no packaging. Is this normal? No packaging means no branding so I'm wondering if they're really FelPro.

They don't have tangs that fit into the valve covers. I guess they're not essential, but will aesthetically look odd on the engine. Is there another FelPro CorkLam product with tangs?

Mark------


Every 1630 I've ever seen was packaged in a Fel-Pro branded package. However, the 1630 do not have the "tangs". No Fel-Pro cork lam I know of has the tangs. Fel-Pro 1606, a 3/16" thick cork rubber gasket has the tangs. Fel-Pro 1605, a 5/32" Fel-CoPrene gasket also has the tangs. Neither of these gaskets has a steel core and neither is anywhere near as good as the 1630.

[Mark E.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

I called Amazon's supplier, KMJ, about this. They said-

- They buy these gaskets from FelPro in bulk, hence no individual packaging (they do look like the real deal)

- These gaskets don't have the BBC valve cover "tangs" because the extra thick material (a bit less than 5/16") would not fit in the valve cover slots.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 L36 valve cover gasket recommendation

I called Amazon's supplier, KMJ, about this. They said-

- They buy these gaskets from FelPro in bulk, hence no individual packaging (they do look like the real deal)

- These gaskets don't have the BBC valve cover "tangs" because the extra thick material (a bit less than 5/16") would not fit in the valve cover slots.

Mark------

I like to use Edelbrock "Gasacinch" or 3M Super Weatherstrip Cement to affix the gasket to the valve cover. Do this and the "tangs" are completely unnecessary. Of course, if you are concerned about judging points, then you need to use the original style, aluminum painted gaskets with tabs. But, if what you're after is better functionality (i.e. a better seal), use the 1630.