I'm going to repaint my intake manifold, valve covers etc, so decided to change the intake gaskets too while I'm at it. I have some reused ones on there too..so best to change them. I have a pair of new steel Felpro ones still in their packet that I ordered a while back, and I'm now wondering if they're as good as the composite gaskets. Also, will I need sealant with them? I have just bought some RTV red silicone sealant for another job, should I use this on steel gaskets?
The steel gaskets will work just fine. Spray a little copper coat on them for extra assurance. Torque the bolts to spec in the correct order. Although the gaskets will fit either way, the ports only line up if on correctly.
Very interested to read this. You've helped me out with Nailhead queries before. thanks for that. I've never been keen on those pressed steel intake gaskets but baased on this info like @hot4hotrods I better chase up some copper coat ready for the next manifold swap.
^^^^ If I did not have either gasket, I would opt for the composite gasket. The OP already has the steel ones, which will work just fine. Buick used steel head gaskets.
To me I think logically the composite ones make more sense, especially with an engine thats going to have imperfect mating surfaces. i thought thats what I was buying at the time, but steel ones arrived. I hung onto them with doing the job in mind at some point.
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