Better Intake Gaskets???

Does anyone know of replacement intake gaskets for the "vortec V-8s" that are NOT the plastic and rubber ones they came with??? I cant see putting the same garbage back in, only to blow out again in another 70K!!! Someone should have made an inprovement on this design by now. I am a machinist and I'm half tempted to just make my own out of aluminum!!! Let's see that break!! Haha. But seriously, is there???

Also, please check out this thread too, we need more input....

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2613117#post2613117

Does anyone know of replacement intake gaskets for the "vortec V-8s" that are NOT the plastic and rubber ones they came with??? I cant see putting the same garbage back in, only to blow out again in another 70K!!! Someone should have made an inprovement on this design by now. I am a machinist and I'm half tempted to just make my own out of aluminum!!! Let's see that break!! Haha. But seriously, is there???

Also, please check out this thread too, we need more input....

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2613117#post2613117
Yes, Fel-Pro MS series 98000 T new design/corrects all prior problems (thicker,new silicone). Note -continue to use RED antifreeze. Problem is organic compounds in "ALL" antifreeze not just RED stuff (breaks down the properties of the silicone),flush system very fairly. Dissimilar metals play roll in enhanced deteriation of material in gasket compound (composition),silicone(s) primarily. Use new quick connectors. Check for lifter bleed down (ticking) use new Crane Cams roller lifters $200. Check the distriubter gear. May have to deck the manifold. The bolts are to yeild,thicker gasket helps,use white thread locker. Use old tried and true process to adjust lifters. Hope this helps

i used the felpro 1255 gaskets and so far i am really happy, they are just a really thick gasket no weird silicone rings no plastic or composits.
i just put some permatex black around the intake and coolant openings as per felpros instructions and put the whole mess back together, i also used permatex on the front and rear galleys.it has been leak and vacuum leak free and the truck has never run better.it is still fresh in my memory so if you need help just ask.

i used the felpro 1255 gaskets and so far i am really happy, they are just a really thick gasket no weird silicone rings no plastic or composits.
i just put some permatex black around the intake and coolant openings as per felpros instructions and put the whole mess back together, i also used permatex on the front and rear galleys.it has been leak and vacuum leak free and the truck has never run better.it is still fresh in my memory so if you need help just ask.
Hey 452, Yes I have a few questions: reguarding the quick connectors, 1. Did you use a special tool, 2. replace o rings, 3. replace quick connector and if yes GM or other ? ; Distributor 1. Did you use a new gear, 2. difficulty removing and replacing ?; Intake 1. Did you resurface, 2. use new bolts 3. remove and replace upper gasket/o ring, 4. Have problems with the upper portion threads? Periperals 1. Any problems with ? I presently acheive 20mpg hwy with 4:10, 4x4, 2500HD, 4L80E, 350ci.

by saying quick connect i will assume the heater hose connection,i replaced the o ring but thats it , i did not take apart the upper and lower.the mating surface of my intake was flat, just cleaned it up with 3m pads on an air tool.even so your intake would have to be really warped to matter as the gaskets are thick enough to compensate for any irregularity.i reused the same bolts as i doubt that any bolt torqued to 11 foot/lb is a torque to yeild bolt, that isn't a whole lot more than using a nutdriver would give , the gasket would compress before the bolt would stretch.when the intake is off take the time to really clean everything up ,use an airline to blow off the edges of the intake before removal,so dirt does not fall in the lifter valley when you pull the intake off.

by saying quick connect i will assume the heater hose connection,i replaced the o ring but thats it , i did not take apart the upper and lower.the mating surface of my intake was flat, just cleaned it up with 3m pads on an air tool.even so your intake would have to be really warped to matter as the gaskets are thick enough to compensate for any irregularity.i reused the same bolts as i doubt that any bolt torqued to 11 foot/lb is a torque to yeild bolt, that isn't a whole lot more than using a nutdriver would give , the gasket would compress before the bolt would stretch.when the intake is off take the time to really clean everything up ,use an airline to blow off the edges of the intake before removal,so dirt does not fall in the lifter valley when you pull the intake off.
Hey 452, How correct you are reguarding the torque on the intake, I haven't an idea what application I was thinking of. I picked up ARP bolts and new CC lifters, insurance while it's apart anyway, I guess there is some grace in getting old. Humor at least.

weird question, why are you changing lifters. was your coolant leaking into the engine.my coolant was only leaking outward and cylinder2 had a vacuum leak,that is why i did mine. i have never heard of anyone changing the roller lifters in a gm before.my corvette had a big cam and a blower with the factory lifters,never had a problem and it has been sold twice and still going strong.thanks

weird question, why are you changing lifters. was your coolant leaking into the engine.my coolant was only leaking outward and cylinder2 had a vacuum leak,that is why i did mine. i have never heard of anyone changing the roller lifters in a gm before.my corvette had a big cam and a blower with the factory lifters,never had a problem and it has been sold twice and still going strong.thanks
Hey 452, I have one of the lifters on the rear driver side that has a bleed down problem. I originaly thought maybe it had a piece of trash in it or just needed to flush the oil and adjust the lifters. I am in a quest for increased milage so when I did that I put the LT4 roller rockers on during that faze. Well the lifter continues and I knew the intake gasket was nearing replacement with the hint of antifreeze leaking. I went ahead and instead of replacing just one or two lifters I got a new set. Now I know the GM lifters are great items that last for years but the CC lifters where a little cheaper and are of the newest design with anti bleed down something improvement. So to remove the possability of replacing one or two and missing the culprit I'll do them all and check and keep them for another project. An example is I will also replace all the hoses,replace the bearings in the pully(s), cap and rotor, new belt, put on the headers and even thinking of putting on the set of SD8060A heads that are in the corner of the garage. Excessive I know but it's a hobby as much as a requirement. It just kills me to have to do something twice. By chance would you have a roller cam four bolt big block for rebuild in the corner to sell?