What is the compressed thickness of this head gasket?

The compressed operating thickness for this Cometic head gasket is 0.036 inches. This is achieved through the specific design and materials used in its multi-layer construction.

Do I need to use any sealant with these head gaskets?

No, Cometic MLS head gaskets are designed to provide maximum sealing performance and do not require additional sealants. The Viton coating on the outer layers ensures a proper seal against the block and head surfaces.

What does the '18 or 23 Deg. Heads' designation mean?

This refers to the angle of the spark plug hole in relation to the cylinder head's combustion chamber. This gasket is designed to fit engines that use cylinder heads with either an 18-degree or 23-degree spark plug angle.

Specifications

Brand: Cometic Gasket
Part #: C5245-038
UPC: 191070046026

Cometic Chevy Small Block 4.060 inch Bore .038 inch MLS Head Gasket (18 or 23 Deg. Heads)

Name: Cometic Chevy Small Block 4.060 inch Bore .038 inch MLS Head Gasket (18 or 23 Deg. Heads)
Brand: Cometic Gasket
SKU: cometic-gasket-cometic-chevy-small-block-4-060-inch-bore-038-inch-mls-head-gaske-t14-515381
Price: 97.74 USD
Availability: BackOrder

$97.74

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Cometic Chevy Small Block MLS head gasket, 4.060" bore, .038" thick. Fits many 1980-1996 V8s.

Key Features

Fits 1980-1996 Chevrolet and GMC V8 vehicles.
Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) construction offers increased strength and corrosion resistance.
Outer layers are embossed and coated with heat-resistant Viton rubber for a reliable seal.
Designed for a 4.060 inch bore and accommodates 18 or 23-degree cylinder heads.
Compressed operating thickness is 0.036 inches.
No additional sealants are required for installation.

⚠️ CA WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm. Learn more

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Will it fit your car?

About this part

Product Details

If you're rebuilding the top end of your Chevrolet Gen-1 Small Block V8, getting the head gaskets right is crucial for sealing combustion pressure and coolant. This Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) gasket from Cometic is built for those high-output engines where a reliable seal is non-negotiable.

Cometic uses multiple layers of stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance. The outer layers are coated with Viton, a heat-resistant rubber material that handles tough sealing environments and various surface finishes without needing extra sealants. This design helps prevent leaks and ensures consistent performance, whether you're mating aluminum heads to an aluminum block or aluminum to cast iron. The center layer is stainless steel, and its thickness is varied to achieve the specific compressed operating thickness of 0.036 inches for this gasket.

This particular gasket is designed for a 4.060 inch bore and accommodates engines with either 18 or 23-degree cylinder heads, featuring a round bore. It's a well-built option that fits a wide range of Chevrolet and GMC V8 vehicles from the early 80s through the mid-90s.