SBC gaskets - which end is up?

I bought a set of felpro intake gaskets. They are that cardboard type material. One side has a blue silicone insert around ports though. Can anyone tell me which side faces up?

It also came with some very nice, self adhesive cork strips for the ends. I don't know if I should use them or just go with black silicone.

Please excuse my ignorance. I'm not much of a mechanic.

JH

 

typically only one side of the gasket has words stamped on it, that side goes up. As for the end gaskets, i have used plenty of cork gaskets and plenty of rubber gaskets and had them push out on me. I highly reccomend permatex's 'the right stuff' gasket maker, but black silicone is still better than the gaskets you can buy IMO

 

Yep, only one side has words on it.

These cork end gaskets have a peel-n-stick adhesive back on them but I'm still unsure about them. The few times I've done this I've always used black rtv.

Thanks for the info.

JH

 

I have always used the cork end gaskets, and never had a problem.

 

Just make sure you wipe the block real well before you place those cork gaskets and they will work just fine. Take your time, check everything twice before you proceed. You'll be a pro in no time...good luck

 

take a pointed punch &put many punch marks in both the block&intake gasket areas...........will help hold the end gaskets in place.......

 

This confirms what I always suspected... anyone who likes SBCs doesn't know which end is up.

Sorry guys, that was bad behaviour on my part. Just for that, no pizza tonight.

 

The end gaskets will work fine for a grocery-getter type motor, as long as you do a good job installing them. If the motor will see any high rpm use, then I would not use them. If your crankcase ventilation system is insufficent or starts to fail, you will blow those gaskets out from even a little crankcase pressure. Granted, if you're making pressure, your ring seal is not as good as it should be, and the motor needs repair. However, even a little blowby is normal or pcv valves and road draft tubes would never have been needed.
Use good quality rtv instead of the gaskets, and it will seal for sure.
Bud

 

ive built many sbc over the years. most high horse engines. i wouldnt recommemd using those cork gaskets.they may hold and then again they may not.why take a chance.if they go out then you got some work ahead of you.just use a good grade of black silcone and be done with it.

 

If you usw the gaskets, be sure to set the intake straight down onto the engine. I always worry that I will push them out of place.

 

no cork on the ends,permatex right stuff is the best **** out there,bar none.........

 

Another vote for the permatex, getting ready to reseal my 348's intake because the front gasket failed.

 

if i need to use a gasket that has the potential to slip out,i use trim and detail adhesive.its like contact cement.and a little shot of silicone on the other side.
the newer vortecs use black silicone for the end gaskets.
the answer to water pumps,timing covers is definetly a contact type cement.

clean it thoroughly,adhesive will hold better.

 

What year(s) sbc blocks had the small holes drilled in the china walls??? I know the '70 GMC 350 truck block had those...

 

????..^^^

 

I went with the black permatex. Looks good.

Thanks guys!

JH