Frustration abounds...molded SBC oil pan gasket woes

I am trying to ****on up the 283 I am building for the coupe. I bought one of the fancy aluminum ribbed oil pans, so I figured I would buy a 1 piece molded oil pan gasket (the best invention of modern time) to make sure it seals up nice and tight.

These words are cast inside the oil pan. " Use only the early style, thin front seal." So I ordered a Fel Pro 1885 gasket set, which specifically says it is for the early style thin gasket.

So I open the box and it is the thicker version....do some research, talk to my buddy Glenn, he confirms that he has one with the same dimensions. I ordered in 3-4 different applications and all are the same. All applications whether it is for a 60 Impala or a 69 Camaro point to the same set.


I measured the gasket out of the cork set and it is half the thickness of these molded ones.

Obviously, the easiest thing to do is order the cork gasket set, except I don't want one.
Am I missing something here?

I don't want to have to drop another $100 on a pan.

Anyone else had this issue?

Thanks

Root

 

What is the cross section shape of the front seal? Is it thinner in the middle, or is it just a rectangle?

 

On the new seal it is more of a U channel. It's the same thickness all the way through.

 

I recently tried using the one piecer on a finned pan, and wound up cracking the pan...with VERY light torque on the bolts.
Listen to the dierctions and use the old fashioned one!

 

phone federal mogul tech line...they are a big help.....

 

Root, are you running the part # OS34509T ? Just curious to the number giving you grief.

 

Actually, an 1885 Tim but it is the same as the OS34509T.

 

I noticed that the 1885 says "Fits engines with thin front seal and driver side dipstick, Trimmed for stroker engines."

The OS34509T is not trimmed for stroker applications. I think you need the OS34509T seal

 

When I put my Aluminum pan on, I was told to make sure I used the right timing chain cover so I could use a silicon gasket. that might mean something.

 

I just bought a cork gasket and gave up.