Intake manifold gasket question

[ChiefDanGeorge]

Fel-Pro sells a 1246 and 1247 with the difference being the port size, and the 1247 just lists 390 FE as engine compatibility:
1246: 2.34 in. x 1.40 in. Port
1247: 2.10 in. x 1.40 in Port

I measured the ports on the manifold and Edelbrock heads and both are around 2.0625", so to me that seems to be a 1247. Am I missing something and should order the ones with the larger port?

Thanks!

[Joe-JDC]

Those are the print o seal gaskets, which are prone to deterioration and leaks shortly after installation.  I would suggest the Edelbrock 7224 as a better fit and better sealing gasket over the long haul.  JMO, but you asked.  Joe-JDC

[machoneman]

Here's what happens to the FE Print-o-Seal gaskets:

[rcodecj]

I wonder why the heck they still make them. 

[thatdarncat]

I wonder why the heck they still make them. 

I believe it was Barry that explained, the Fel-Pro Print-O-Seal intake gaskets were meant to be a race part and not a general rebuild part. A lot of race engines get torn down & freshened about every other race season with gaskets replaced, and when used in that fashion the Print-O-Seals can function fine. The issue of course is that Fel-Pro doesn't do a good job of warning how they should be used.

It should be noted too that Fel-Pro now makes a version of those gaskets with a steel core which is supposed to work better for the FE. The steel core Print-O-Seal intake gaskets have a S-3 after the part number, example 1246S-3 & 1247S-3. I have not seen any reports yet of the steel core gaskets deteriorating, but I don't know if they've had a lot of long term street use yet.

[machoneman]

Kevin's quote, so to speak, of Barry's notation (he used to work for Fel-Pro back then btw) is correct as the gaskets do work very well.....for engines torn down frequently. In fact, they are great in that regard as once a head is pulled, minimal deck surface scraping is needed.

But never for a long-term streeter! Barry also hinted IIRC that although he warned the company of this (add a note: race use only) they ignored him. Too bad.

Finally, some have said that due to the unique casting of the FE head and intakes (oil on too many open sides of the gaskets) it's the primary reason why this gasket design fails in long term use. This is FALSE!

I have seen too many pics of SBF's and some SBC's where the gaskets failed. These engines of course do not have the open-on-three sides gasket planes where hot oil can wreck them. Take a gander below.

https://www.google.com/search?q=failed+fel-pro+intake+gasket,+sbf&rlz=1C1SAVS_enUS541US568&espv=2&biw=1024&bih=490&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwip2fHKj_LRAhVrxFQKHU0jBCAQ_AUIBygC&dpr=1.88

 

[ChiefDanGeorge]

Thanks for the recommendation!

Those are the print o seal gaskets, which are prone to deterioration and leaks shortly after installation.  I would suggest the Edelbrock 7224 as a better fit and better sealing gasket over the long haul.  JMO, but you asked.  Joe-JDC

[My427stang]

Mr Gasket 202A also very good

[blykins]

I'm a big fan of plain paper style gaskets, just like that 202A.   

[TorinoBP88]

I had my print-o-seals fail after 1 or 2 hrs total running on the start stand, and sitting for about a year.  I pulled the intake and like the picture above, they were spitting apart!

I prefer either stock Napa gaskets or Mr Gasket or Edelbrock.

Maybe Felpro has a performance series thats better, but i was so disgusted with the print-o-seals i wont buy their products.

[Falcon67]

I also switched to using Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal parts for intakes.  I have some older 351C print-o-seals, but those I tend to glue to the heads with shellac and then use a little white grease or thin smear of RTV on the intake side to facilitate changes without tearing the gasket. 

[Rory428]

Maybe I am just lucky, but I have been using FelPro "Printo Seal" intake gaskets on both my drag cars, FE & SB Ford power, with good results. I don`t know if it related, but both cars use water, rather than antifreeze in the cooling systems.