Hey group. i am finely assembling my 496 and have some questions regarding the head gasket. as mentioned i have a gen v 454 block i think. I know it is a L 29 from the number...however under the cam gear is says Gen V1(a one) i dont know if that is a one or means that it is a gen VI. it does not have fuel pump and clutch provisions.

1. i am using pro topline aluminum 320 heads and the gaskets i have are fel-pro 1047. the heads and block have water holes but the gaskets do not. . but the gaskets say it is for my block? whats up. i am afraid to open and look at intructions for fear i might not be able to return a 65.00 gasket. you certainly would not cut hole in the gasket would you? there are silicon beads around all other water holes.

2. it looks like to me all the head bolt holes are into the water jackets, is this correct? and is arp thread sealer ok to use?

thanks for your help. tommy

check your ID number on the back of the block with mortec.com or your local GM dealer to confirm the year . should be printed to the left of the cam gear if it's a gen v (5) or gen vi (6) jay

Originally posted by jay:
check your ID number on the back of the block with mortec.com or your local GM dealer to confirm the year . should be printed to the left of the cam gear if it's a gen v (5) or gen vi (6) jay Jay it is printed on left side i am just wondering does GM use a "1" instead of an "I"(if that is hard to read think one instead of an eye).

i did do more research(visual) and i believe i have a gen vi block and the reason the head gsasket does not have the correct water holes is because the fel-pro 1047 is for a gen v or bowtie block. i believe all i have to do is return head gaskets and get correct. RIGHT?

HERE IT IS STRAIGHT FROM MORTEC.COM

10237297...454.......96-up...4-bolt, Vortec 7400", "L-29" Gen.VI

thanks tommy