OEM gaskets or parts store stuff? Stock rebuild

[fearnot]

Replacing the heads on '98 GP GT n/a

Everything is stock, stock, stock.

OEM or parts store gaskets?

Was wondering if I can just go to the parts stores and buy the Head gasket set, HS9917PT-3. It comes with upper and lower IM, exhaust manifold and most of the rest of the stuff I'll need.

The OEM HG's are $150 through GM parts Direct. The entire felpro gasket set is only $175. I can't help but wonder why.

Are there any specific places where I should only use OEM stuff?

Thanks.

Ian

[agrazela]

Fel Pro HG's should be fine. No reason to pay $$$ at the dealer for same quality gaskets.

One issue though; that Fel Pro HG set you referenced will come with the old-style nylon LIM gaskets. Unless you are soon selling the car, you do not want these.

So, do whichever's cheaper and/or more convenient:

1) Get the Fel Pro HG set and a set of aluminum LIM gaskets (available at dealer or online at intense-racing.com or zzperformance.com)

2) Pick and choose the gaskets you'll need (at local store or a good online source like rockauto.com)