Mahle vs Fel-Pro?

[HerpDerp1919]

In the process of doing the head gaskets on my truck. I can go with either Mahle or Fel-Pro. For the most part I've always ran with Fel-pro gaskets and they've been okay. But I'm really not too interested in pulling the heads off due to a cheap gasket. Research online has come back inconclusive, some swear by Mahle, some swear by Fel-pro. Just curious what others experience has been between the two on these trucks.
AFAIK its a tired 350 with 212k miles so not making big power. TIA in advance for the input!

 

[Macs Garage]

I have always used Fel-Pro gaskets. From Flat Head Ford's, Buick Nail Head, to my 5.7 Vortec. Never had any problems with them.

 

[JeremyNH]

If you want to keep the stock compression you may want to consider the GM offering for these motors #10105117. Those are the ones I used when I reworked my heads and haven't had any issues. The repair gaskets all have compressed thickness around 0.040". Stock is 0.028" which is what the GMPP has.

 

[HerpDerp1919]

If you want to keep the stock compression you may want to consider the GM offering for these motors #10105117. Those are the ones I used when I reworked my heads and haven't had any issues. The repair gaskets all have compressed thickness around 0.040". Stock is 0.028" which is what the GMPP has.

I'm no engine builder, so would that difference between gasket thicknesses cause a reduction in power that would even be noticeable in my butt dyno?

 

[HerpDerp1919]

I have always used Fel-Pro gaskets. From Flat Head Ford's, Buick Nail Head, to my 5.7 Vortec. Never had any problems with them.

Awesome to hear. I ended up ordering Fel-Pro's "Severe duty" set.

 

[Frank Enstein]

Coke vs. Pepsi

I like to see .035" to .045" piston to head clearance so I go with whoever has the right thickness.

They both make several lines of gaskets from better than stock replacements to all out race gaskets and everything in between.

 

[Schurkey]

I'm no engine builder, so would that difference between gasket thicknesses cause a reduction in power that would even be noticeable in my butt dyno?

Two problems with thick head gaskets/lack of squish:

1. Lower compression ratio leading to lower power and reduced fuel economy. Engine is less efficient.

2. Reduced in-cylinder turbulence leading to slow burn, increased chances of detonation, and reduced power and fuel economy. Engine is less efficient AND potentially subject to detonation. The knock sensor will shut-down the detonation, at an even-more-severe penalty in power and fuel economy.

 

[98chevy2500SS]

The Fel-Pro gaskets are thicker than stock, get the GM OEM replacements, they aren’t super expensive. They are the correct thickness for the Vortecs to keep the original compression.

 

[Lilgringo82]

Ok maybe this is off topic but I'm having a hard time finding the answer. What oil pan gasket would you all recommend the Fel-Pro or Mahle?

 

[Boots97]

I've used non Fel-Pro gaskets that come with kits before and they've all failed. Every time I've used Fel-Pro gaskets, I've never had to replace them again. I'm not a brand loyal guy at all and I'll try anything under the sun, but I'll always stick to Fel-Pro gaskets because they've never failed me yet.