Lower intake gaskets...OEM vers aftermarket

LeSabre97mint · #1 10-12-2008, 09:57 AM

Hello

I would like some feed back on peoples experience on using aftermarket gaskets on the lower intake manifold. I know that Wiswind has stated that the OEM gaskets have been inproved and the aftermarket haven't. Any one out there on the "know" on the status on the revisions of AM gaskets? Also staying on the "know" topic...Wiswind also has mentioned that the upper gaskets are reusable. Talking the parts guy at Ford he says that "I would NEVER reuse a gasket". Thoughts? I did mention the trannie gasket to him that's reusable... and he said that's an exception.

Another question. What have you paid for OEM gaskets from Ford? I was quoted 60.00 for both the upper and lower gaskets. Things are a little tight around here and I'm trying to get this done with the least amount of $$$$. But, isn't that always the case!

I know when I put in headgaskets on my 95 the gaskets looked just like the ones I pulled out except for the conpression ring on the new ones was intact. I have 65,000 miles on the AM gaskets and they're doing fine....so far.

Thanks for your input.

Dan

wiswind · #2 10-13-2008, 06:04 AM

It is possible that the aftermarket gaskets now have the updates that FORD put into theirs...a few years have passed now.

12Ounce · #3 10-13-2008, 07:32 AM

Be careful as you do your pricing ... I have found Ford prices on gasket sets, especially large sets when head bolts are included, to be lower than aftermarket's.

And on an Escort engine rebuild once, I could never stop the rear shaft seal from leaking ... even after trying more than one aftermarket seals, until I went back to the Ford supplied seal ... it was more rigid and easier to install properly ( no off-subject comments please!).

LeSabre97mint · #4 10-13-2008, 08:39 AM

Thanks for the replys guys.

Dan

FordGuy81 · #5 10-14-2008, 08:58 AM

I reused the upper intake gasket recently on our '99. I was quoted ~$20 for the gasket by Ford. They didn't have it in stock, so I just decided to see if it was reuseable. Worked just fine.

Last year I replaced the fuel rail gaskets and lower intake gasket on my '94 Ranger 4.0L. I went with Ford gaskets on that as well, except for the valve cover gaskets which were Fel-Pro. IIRC, the Ford gaskets weren't much more than the aftermarket ones.

I have also found that Ford parts online can be cheaper than what the local dealer will charge you. I try to go with OEM whenever possible.

Bill

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