1978 Chevrolet Nova Gaskets and Sealing Systems
Cometic C5272-066 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Bore Chevy Small Block - 4.165 V8
Cometic C5270-027 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket - 4.100" Bore SBC Gen-1 Small Block Chevy
Cometic C5269-066 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Bore Chevy Small Block - 4.060 V8
Cometic C5269-032 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Chevy Small Block Bore - for V8 4.060
Cometic C5269-030 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Bore Chevy Small Block - 4.060
Cometic C5274-045 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Bore Chevy Small Block - 4.135 V8
Cometic C5551-036 Chevrolet Small Block MLS Head Gasket Bore - V8 4.220 036
Cometic C5786-040 MLX Cylinder Head Gasket for Chevy Small Block Bore - V8 4.220
Cometic C5536-060 Intake Manifold End Seals Kit for Chevrolet Gen-1 Small Block V8
Cometic C5425-059 Intake Manifold Gasket Set for Chevrolet Gen-1 Small Block V8
Cometic C5427-059 Intake Manifold Gasket Set for Chevrolet Gen-1 Small Block V8
Cometic C5406-040 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket for Chevrolet Small Block - Gen-1 V8
Cometic C15512-040 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Chevy Small Block Bore - for V8 4.165
Cometic CP5528 Intake Manifold Gasket Set Chevy Small Block Gen I - V8
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Cometic CP15282 Timing Cover Seal Set for Chevy Small Block Gen-1 V8
Cometic CP5541 Intake Manifold Gasket Set Chevy Small Block Gen I - V8
Cometic C15396-040 Chevrolet Small Block MLS Head Gasket Bore - Gen-1 V8 040 4.190
Cometic C15498-040 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Chevy Small Block Bore - for V8 4.200
Edelbrock 72018 Intake Manifold Gasket Set - Small Block Chevy 1958-1986 (10 Pack)
Cometic C5530-020 Chevrolet Gen-1 Small Block V8 Timing Cover Gasket Kit
Cometic C5269-120 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Chevy Small Block Bore - for V8 4.060
Cometic C15528-089 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Chevy Small Block Bore - for V8 4.185
Cometic C5270-075 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket for Chevrolet Small Block - V8
Cometic C5031-044 Chevrolet Gen-1 Small Block V8 Head Gasket .044" MLS 4.165" Bore
Cometic PRO1003T-066 Chevrolet 350/400 Gen-1 Small Block V8 Top End Gasket Kit
Cometic C15604-040 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Chevy Small Block Bore - for V8 4.080
Cometic C15504-040 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Chevy Small Block Bore - V8 4.165
Cometic C15499-040 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Chevy Small Block Bore - for V8 4.200
Representative Photo, actual item may vary
Cometic C15318 Intake Manifold Gasket Kit for Chevrolet Gen-1 Small Block V8
Cometic C5246-027 MLS Cylinder Head Gasket Bore Chevy Small Block - 4.100 Gen-1
Why Gaskets and Sealing Systems Matter
Every internal combustion engine is a carefully balanced system of controlled explosions, circulating fluids, and extreme temperatures — and gaskets are the unsung heroes that hold it all together. Gaskets and sealing systems create the pressure-tight, leak-free barriers between mating engine surfaces, preventing combustion gases, coolant, and oil from escaping where they shouldn't. When a seal fails, even a minor oil leak or coolant seep can quickly escalate into overheating, loss of compression, or catastrophic engine damage. Choosing the right gasket for the right application is one of the most consequential decisions in any engine repair or rebuild.
What's Included in This Category
Gaskets and sealing systems span a wide range of components throughout the engine. Engine gasket sets provide everything needed for a comprehensive top-end or full engine rebuild in a single kit. The engine cylinder head gasket is arguably the most critical seal in the engine, forming the barrier between the combustion chamber, coolant passages, and oil galleries — a failure here is never trivial. Engine oil pan gaskets prevent oil leaks at the bottom of the engine block and are among the most commonly replaced seals on high-mileage vehicles. Meanwhile, engine valve cover gasket sets and individual engine valve cover gaskets seal the top of the cylinder head, keeping oil contained and contaminants out of the valvetrain. Beyond these high-volume categories, the broader sealing systems family also includes intake manifold gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, timing cover gaskets, crankshaft seals, camshaft seals, and a host of o-rings and specialty seals — virtually every fluid and pressure boundary in the engine relies on a gasket or seal of some kind.
Key Considerations When Shopping for Gaskets
Material matters enormously in gasket selection. Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) head gaskets are the modern standard for most late-model engines, offering superior resistance to high combustion pressures and thermal cycling compared to older composite designs. For performance and boosted applications, MLS gaskets are especially important. Surface finish on the mating components also plays a role — some gaskets require a specific surface roughness for proper sealing. Always check manufacturer specs before selecting a replacement. Complete gasket sets are often the most economical choice for engine rebuilds, ensuring that all related seals are replaced at the same time and eliminating the risk of a freshly rebuilt engine leaking from a neighboring gasket that wasn't changed.
Top Brands in Gaskets and Sealing Systems
Fel-Pro is widely considered the gold standard for replacement gaskets in the professional shop environment. Founded in 1918 in Chicago, Fel-Pro has spent over a century engineering gaskets specifically for the demands of the repair environment rather than original manufacturing tolerances — making them especially well-suited for engines with worn or imperfect mating surfaces.
MAHLE brings genuine OE-level engineering to the aftermarket. Founded in 1920 and now one of the world's largest automotive component suppliers, MAHLE gaskets are the original choice in OE sealing solutions, offering coverage for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles from the largest head gasket to the smallest O-ring.
Cometic is the go-to brand for performance builders and racing teams. Founded in 1989 and based in Concord, Ohio, Cometic specializes in MLS (Multi-Layer Steel) and advanced material gaskets proven under the most extreme conditions in NHRA, NASCAR, and IndyCar competition — all proudly made in the USA.
Victor (Victor Reinz) is a globally trusted name with a broad catalog of OE-quality gaskets and sealing products, covering an extensive range of domestic and import applications for both everyday repairs and professional rebuilds.
Federal Mogul rounds out the top tier as a global manufacturer of original equipment and replacement sealing components, with deep engineering resources and broad application coverage across automotive, commercial, and industrial markets.