bigpaulz28
New member
I went to get intake gaskets for 1997 Grand Prix Se 3.8 and they asked if it was 1st or 2nd design. is there any way of determining if its a 1st or 2nd design before i tear into it?
3.8 Intake Gaskets 1st or 2nd design
- Thread starter bigpaulz28
- Start date
blownstuff
New member
I may not be right about this. But I think either will work. I would go with the 2nd because usally when parts are superseded there is a reason. Thats all it should be is a revision in the part. You could always be safe and call the dealer give them the vin and see what they say.
As I recall the first design was made from plastic and the 2nd was metal. But I would like someone to second this.
As I recall the first design was made from plastic and the 2nd was metal. But I would like someone to second this.
not that it matters but here is the real answer
When ordering LIM gaskets on the 3800, there are two listings.
First design w/o locating pins
Second design with locating pins
Soooo what's a locating pin right? On the second design there are two rubber pins on the rubber end seals of the LIM gasket set. 96-97 year engine blocks are technically are the first design w/o pins. 98+ are second design blocks. The difference is not worthy of having two different sets of gaskets. IMO the second design should have superceded the first and only one version should be available as the pins and their function is minimal at best.
96-97 engine block. Look at the top and bottom of the picture at the block. See the solid line of the block from head to head. That's the first design w/o any holes for locating pins to sit into.
98+ engine block. Look at the left and right ends of the block. See the two holes on each end. These are where the locating pins sit into.
When putting second design gaskets on a 96-97 block the pins simply lay over the side and still do the job of holding the gasket in place before the LIM is put back on.
When ordering LIM gaskets on the 3800, there are two listings.
First design w/o locating pins
Second design with locating pins
Soooo what's a locating pin right? On the second design there are two rubber pins on the rubber end seals of the LIM gasket set. 96-97 year engine blocks are technically are the first design w/o pins. 98+ are second design blocks. The difference is not worthy of having two different sets of gaskets. IMO the second design should have superceded the first and only one version should be available as the pins and their function is minimal at best.
96-97 engine block. Look at the top and bottom of the picture at the block. See the solid line of the block from head to head. That's the first design w/o any holes for locating pins to sit into.
98+ engine block. Look at the left and right ends of the block. See the two holes on each end. These are where the locating pins sit into.
When putting second design gaskets on a 96-97 block the pins simply lay over the side and still do the job of holding the gasket in place before the LIM is put back on.
SuperSport
New member
The 3.8 was always an option in a 97-03 SE.
Besides who is dinking around with parts store gaskets that are still plastic? Go to the GM dealer and buy Aluminum gaskets for about 50 bucks. Done.
Besides who is dinking around with parts store gaskets that are still plastic? Go to the GM dealer and buy Aluminum gaskets for about 50 bucks. Done.
BillBoost37
New member
Geez Pat.. ya could at least gimme a little credit for that one. :th_nanana:
TheOtherNick
The mod from over yonder
Parts stores have the aluminum ones too.