Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

[Edward B.]

When we built the 427 engine in my son's 1968 Camaro, we used the original 1968 L89 (396/375) 3919842 aluminum heads, the original 3933162 aluminum intake, the original Holley 4053 carb, the original 1111170 distributor, etc..., but installed it all on a .30 over 427 short block. However, we also used a standard Fel-Pro KS2618 gasket set.

The problem is, when the car is cold, like on initial start up, I get a lot of steam and even some water coming out of the tail pipes. Mostly on the passenger side, but a little on the driver side too. The engine only has 1k miles on it, but even though, I'm still hoping it's a gasket issue and NOT a cracked head! When I had the heads rebuilt 20 something years ago, I don't remember if I had the shop pressure test them or not, so it may be a crack. But once the car warms up, the steam "mostly" disappears. We still get a little, but hardly worth mentioning.

Anyway, I'm going to have to pull the heads to inspect things, but if it really is the head gaskets (cross your fingers), does anyone have any recommendations on what Fel-Pro (or equivalent) head gaskets to use? I refuse to pay $250-$300 (or more) for NOS GM 3981920 gaskets, so anything aftermarket would be my only choice.

Thanks boys
Ed

[Tom J.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

Hi Ed Fe Pro makes a head gasket with a copper liner that must be used with aluminum heads the standard gasket will leak every time. The price is about $120 a set

[Edward B.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

Yeah, after some research, it looks like I used the wrong head gaskets. The Fel-Pro 1027 is what I SHOULD HAVE used!

However, here's an interesting tid-bit. My local Auto Zone shows that they're "Not street legal"!!! How can a freekin' head gasket be (or not be) street legal??? That makes no sense.

I can't seem to find a complete top end kit from Fel-Pro that includes the 1027 head gaskets, so I guess I'm going to have to buy the head gaskets, intake gaskets, header gaskets and valve cover gaskets separately.

Thanks Tom.

Ed

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

I would think that an MLS type of gasket would work for you. I searched for an MLS gasket on Summit and found 5 Fel-Pro alone for your engine.

[Joe L.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

I would think that an MLS type of gasket would work for you. I searched for an MLS gasket on Summit and found 5 Fel-Pro alone for your engine.

Patrick------


Yes, I favor multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets. However, for MLS gaskets to seal properly, the cylinder head and block surface finishes have to be right. In this case, right means a quite smooth finish. If there's any doubt about surface finish, then I'd go with the Fel-Pro 1027 gaskets.

[Jim T.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

Were complete copper head gaskets used on any big blocks with aluminum heads?

[Joe L.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

Were complete copper head gaskets used on any big blocks with aluminum heads?

Jim------


If you mean originally used on a PRODUCTION engine, never. In fact, copper gaskets were not used on any SERVICE big block, either. Big blocks with aluminum heads used composition-type gaskets. Most of these were manufactured for GM by Victor Gasket.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

Are Fel-Pro 1027's still available ? At what price (approx.); what store(s) ? I'll be needing a set to install my 842's after I get this blow-through repaired. Who's best for aluminum welding, for the correct alloy used by Winters ?

[Joe L.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

Are Fel-Pro 1027's still available ? At what price (approx.); what store(s) ? I'll be needing a set to install my 842's after I get this blow-through repaired. Who's best for aluminum welding, for the correct alloy used by Winters ?

Wayne------


As far as I know, they are still available. While I have not checked, I'd be quite surprised if they were not available. I'd try Summit Racing. I think they cost about 100 bucks a set.

For the aluminum head repair, I'd try Jerry MacNeish.

[Edward B.]

Re: Fel-Pro or equivalent head gaskets for 3919842 aluminum heads?

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Yes, the 1027's are available, but for some reason not in California on a street driven vehicle! All my local auto parts stores state that they're "for off road use only". Just what difference a head gasket makes is beyond me.

The multi layer gaskets have that same restriction (for off road use only), but as Joe stated, everything has to be just about perfect to use them and I'm not sure how perfect my mating surfaces are. I'll have to check.

Ed