Max_Gator

I need to do both my front and rear vcg.

My general preference in doing something so time consuming is to use the best parts available so that I don't have to do it again soon.

Beck Arnley Kit is about $65/side; Fel pro kit is about $55/side. Both include seals and grommets. I can't find grommets on courtesy's site but gasket and seal are about $35.

Is either the beck or fel pro better than oem?

BigLou55

iTrader: (6)

if you have a 2000 then go to rockauto.com, last time i went the felpro set was about 38 bucks and included both gaskets, tube seals and grommets. Felpro is good quality as well, several of my mechanic friends use this brand on the cars they repair because they actually work well and cost a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealer.

EDIT: I have felpro valve cover gaskets on my max for 2 years now and they are holding strong. Make sure you use the FSM when you perform this and torque everything CORRECTLY as well as place the rtv black gasket maker(I bought permatex brand) on certain spots of the vc gasket.

Prophecy99

iTrader: (1)

if the valve covers are leaking, switch them out with 6th Gen Valve Covers, or you will be wasting your time

BigLou55

iTrader: (6)

^^^according to the info under the OP's user name he has a 00 SE. Only the OP can clarify which year he is referring to though.

03VQMAX

iTrader: (46)

OEM or Nada....

Max_Gator

Are you just saying that or do you have some specific experience with the gaskets? Sometimes there are aftermarket parts of higher quality than oem ... Often not.

Max_Gator

Thanks. I used the process spelled out by the fsm a few years ago on the front. Now leaking in the same spot as last time which means the gasket is bad again. Used oem. And I do have a 2000.

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

FelPro or Apex good to go!

03VQMAX

iTrader: (46)

I buy as many oem as I can afford, I always recommend(and that's what I use 80% of the time)OEM because you know for a fact it will fit, it's backed by a 12month/12K and if your current part lasted X amount of miles you have on your vehicle, the next part should be good for another X amount. But besides OEM for gaskets, FELPRO is next in line.

shaks

iTrader: (15)

i used FelPro myself on 01SE. My friend has '97 and he used Beck Arnley set that lasted about a year. Now he went OEM. That was 78 bucks with shop discount.
Mine are holding up great and I got them from RockAuto. Still good after 6 months.
P.S. My original (???) ones were not leaking (113k miles)- did a preventative maintenance while doing tune up.