2017 Who makes a good / best head gasket for 6.9/7.3l

[NoIdeaWhatImDoing]

Hi,

I'm a new member so sorry if this is a repeat and thank you all for the great information over the years.

I'm finally ready to join the idi ranks and am having some issues with head gaskets. I ordered a set of Mahle's, and when I received them, they where Fel-pro's in the Mahle box. The seller contacted Mahle and Mahle said they contract with Fel-pro. So I ordered a set of Victor Reinz, and a Mahle box showed up, which most likely was Fel-pro again. It was my impression that even though Mahle purchased VR, VR still made there own gaskets, guess not. So who now (2017) makes a great head gasket? Or has the idi support consolidated and we can really only get Fel-pro gaskets? I have seen a few other makes but I'm not sure of anyone's quality. Last threads I read here all said to use VR.

I am planning on a mild build and will be using studs. Thanks for the help!

 

[homelessduck]

I just ordered my VR set off rockauto for like $15 each on sale.

 

[homelessduck]

Just checked , they still have them .

 

[NoIdeaWhatImDoing]

Thank you for the quick reply. I will get an order in.

 

[NoIdeaWhatImDoing]

I just checked out Rock Auto, and the set they have listed, HS3789 is the same set that I ordered, twice. But, it does not come with VR/Mahle head gaskets, just Felpro's in the Mahle box from my experience. Has anyone ordered this set and actually received VR head gaskets?

I believe Mahle no longer makes VR head gaskets for the 6.9 and outsources Felpro instead? I have read all over this forum that VR is the way to go and if I'm going to tear the engine apart, I want the best head gasket I can get.

 

[homelessduck]

The 5869g gasket is genuine VR, unfortunately it is for a 7.3 and I just realized you have a 6.9

 

[Hydro-idi]

The consensus is felpro & VR gaskets are pretty much the best & most readily available. Gasket construction & design have come a long ways compared to what these engines originally came with. I wouldn't be too concerned about which brand you go with. I had felpros in my engine and never had a problem.
Cleanliness, flatness of deck & head surfaces, & torque sequences are more important imo.

 

[NoIdeaWhatImDoing]

Thank you both for the info. I will give the Felpro's a shot.

Thanks again