Can I reuse the stock GM head gasket?

[scherp69]

I have a new L92 that I'm working on. From what I understand, it's never been fired (unless of course when it was being built). I recently did a cam swap and took the heads off to degree the cam. When I was taking the heads off, the head gasket got bent a little bit. It was easily straightened out. I plan on getting a set of ARP head bolts to replace the stock bolts. Should I also replace the head gaskets or can I just reuse them. I've found some guys that recommend using the copper gasket spray and put them back on. I really don't want to have to replace them unless I have to. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[scherp69]

Went to GM today. They recommend changing it. For $65 a side, I guess the reassurance and peace of mind would be worth it. Damn this cam degree process is getting expensive.

[camcojb]

you know, with a good coat of sealer they'd likely be fine. Thing is, the amount of work to swap them if they're not good would have me fixing it the right way now. ;)

[Vegas69]

If they would've stayed in place without warping, I would've said maybe. I'm with Jody, you are way to deep to trip over a hundy...

[Jgpclone]

just do it right the first time dont want that to bite u in the ass later imo

[Moose]

If you havent gotten them yet, check out http://sdparts.com/ Scoggin-dickey has great prices.

[scherp69]

Thanks guys. I agree, I have too much invested and am in too deep to try and cut any corners. The most annoying thing is the parts stores in Canada are so off on their pricing. The local GM place wants $65 per side, and that's with a discount I get through work. Without the discount, they want $90 a side. I know there's been an argument that it's because of the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate, yet the Canadian dollar is worth 6 cents on the dollar more now. I really don't get it. The Canadian parts stores really need to get with times to keep people from heading south to get parts.

Moose..thanks for the link. I forgot about them. pm'd Jesse. $35 a side, but depending on shipping, it may or may not be worth having them sent to me.

[70rs]

Is the shipping to Canada that bad on something as light as head gaskets?

[scherp69]

Is the shipping to Canada that bad on something as light as head gaskets?

Unfortunately it's not all based just on weight. They also go by measurements and the price goes up as soon as it crosses the border. A while back I ordered some parts from one of our sponsors. They were using a stand USPS box to ship and it was something like $12.95 or something like that in the US. Shipped to me was about $25. It's stupid. And then if it's shipped UPS, they kill us with the brokerage fees. I received a $300 package a few weeks ago and I just got a $60 bill in the mail for the brokerage fees.

[Ron in SoCal]

^ Wow Mike, incredible hit...:(

I read a post by Jessie on another forum they had a free shipping deal going on. I guess that applies to US only?

[scherp69]

^ Wow Mike, incredible hit...:(

I read a post by Jessie on another forum they had a free shipping deal going on. I guess that applies to US only?

Yeah unfortunately US only.

[scherp69]

Well thanks to Eric (70rs) I'm getting a set of GM head gaskets for about half what they would cost me locally. Thanks again Eric. Really appreciate you getting those for me :cheers: