Hey guys im about to install my head gaskets, In the olds manual it says to use some gm sealant......can someone explain what type of sealant and where to apply it???

I have picked up VICTOR REINZ GASKETS and a tube of "THE RIGHT STUFF" RVT for other sealing in the engine!!

Also is there a top/bottom its not marked on the gaskets so I assume it does not make a difference!!

 

Follow the instructions that come with the gaskets. And if the gasket isn't labeled up or down then it shouldn't matter. Make sure the gasket matches the holes in the block. If the gaskets is rougher on one side or the other place the rough side against the head, its far easier to mill the head than the block should the rough gasket "etches" the mounting surface.

 

When your 455 was built at the factory it was assembled with steel shim head gaskets. It was common to coat these with a copper spray sealant. You did not say what type of gasket you are using. For the blue felpro style I use high tack spray by permatex but I dont think anything is actually required on them. Just be sure heads and block are very clean.

 

Scooter in the past Joe Mondello used to spray even the permatorque blue with high tack spray and I have used VHt copper spray on metal head gaskets and with all others I use Permatex high tack spray on both sides and Dave Bunch recomends that also. In 40 years I have only blown 1 head gasket and it was my fault for slapping the motor together just to get to the race track. Dave Bunch said he has never blown one!! He has raced for longer than I and he said he sprays them on both sides. I think his recommendation would be wise to follow. jmho.

 

Thanks guys, this is why I love this forum.... There is always someone wanting to help a guy out!!

I do have a can of the red spray permatex in the garage, that's what I will use!!!

 

I just found this on youtube......I wonder does this apply to the timing cover and the water pump gasket??

 

this morning I did a dry fit of the head gaskets and noticed the gasket covers a portion of the coolant ports!! Is this ok....I remember when I took the old ones off the ports were partially blocked...I thought it was crud, but maybe it was old gasket...It was very brittle!!

 

Scooter just about every head gasket is that way! I saw your post this am and went out into the shop and I have 4 sets of head gaskets, Victor Rienz, Fel pro blue standard, and pro and GM originals. They all cover a partial part of the cooling ports and double check to make sure the head gaskets are exactly the same on both sides if so it doesnt matter but if it has a rougher side or texture put that part on the block and I dont care what they say use permatex high tack lightly on both sides and your going to be perfect! I noticed your block looks decked and I bet your heads have been surfaced so you should have zero problems! Looks like a really good build and remember dont worry about that rear seal it will work!!!

 

Thanks dave..both sides look the same to me, and yes both the heads and block were machined!!

Thanks for your help Dave!!!!

 

Scooter what cam are you using?

 

Im just running a mild cam....Comp cam xe262h

 

Thats a good cam for the street just thought I tell you that many of the timing chains out there are junk!! Tinney cadillac had to call me to come and get 2 different oldsmobile motors they built running right both times it was a bad timing chain, brand new and a brand name. I have always run cloyes for 40 years and never had a problem. Look forward to hearing your motor running, I will start building mine in a couple of weeks.

 

Thats what I have Dave.......a double roller