I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong on this. But I am pretty sure it is what I found when doing some digging on the subject.
There was a local eBay seller that sells new old stock/clearance automotive items. They had a victor Reinz complete set including head bolts for around a $100. Being on a tight budget I snagged it. In digging to find out what head gasket was in the kit and if it would work for me I found that the part numbers have changed over the years. The opposite of what you are thinking has actually happened. The t bird gaskets have become the stock replacement gaskets. Which IIRC is a graphite gasket. The more expensive kits go to newer gasket technology/mls. Therefore find out what gasket is in that kit and cross reference it to see what the gasket really is. Again IIRC Victor Reinz is making only graphite gaskets for the Essex 3.8 in any form. Which would be the "factory" gasket on the SC 3.8.
As much as I also prefer Fel Pro over anything else sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
Tried eBay & Amazon?
Autozone ships to home in some cases.
Are you sure it needs head gaskets....
What parts store are you using where they can't get Felpro Gaskets? Must be a mom n pops location? I always thought the box stores AAP/AZ/OR/NAPA carried them...
-Tim
The only differences I could find was in material. All bolt and steam holes lined up for me without an issue. It isn't a matter of how long they will last. It is a matter of how good is your tune and right foot from keeping it out of detonation. The better gasket will be more forgiving before it lets go. Which to some people is a better option. Having the gasket as the short fuse can save something else more costly becoming the cause of engine failure. If it is relatively stock and not driven hard there should be little concern.
I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong on this. But I am pretty sure it is what I found when doing some digging on the subject.
There was a local eBay seller that sells new old stock/clearance automotive items. They had a victor Reinz complete set including head bolts for around a $100. Being on a tight budget I snagged it. In digging to find out what head gasket was in the kit and if it would work for me I found that the part numbers have changed over the years. The opposite of what you are thinking has actually happened. The t bird gaskets have become the stock replacement gaskets. Which IIRC is a graphite gasket. The more expensive kits go to newer gasket technology/mls. Therefore find out what gasket is in that kit and cross reference it to see what the gasket really is. Again IIRC Victor Reinz is making only graphite gaskets for the Essex 3.8 in any form. Which would be the "factory" gasket on the SC 3.8.
As much as I also prefer Fel Pro over anything else sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
local pricing came up at $99. Not bad, but as mentioned above I would not use anything but felpro or MLS. I'm sure you could have them from summit in 3-4 days even if you live WAY out in the sticks
Also be aware that the head bolts r 1 time use and will need to be replaced and r not included in the set you linked to.
Adam,
Felpro head bolts: ES72131 (buy two kits to do both sides)
Felpro head bolts: ES72131 (buy two kits to do both sides)