Motor Gasket Set Recommendations

Got an Athena set from Amazon for half the price of local suppliers. For my ‘76 though..

Sorry, I know this thread is about an 80, but it was the most recent thread I could find around engine gaskets.
The VG282 should work with all engine years right? I believe the head gasket is slightly thinner on the 70 and 71 compared to the 306 engine onwards? So could I use the VG282 and just get a separate head gasket kit like this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/231823592134

I saw SCM gaskets recommended on another thread

Smuggy said:

Sorry, I know this thread is about an 80, but it was the most recent thread I could find around engine gaskets.
The VG282 should work with all engine years right? I believe the head gasket is slightly thinner on the 70 and 71 compared to the 306 engine onwards? So could I use the VG282 and just get a separate head gasket kit like this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/231823592134

I saw SCM gaskets recommended on another thread

Click to expand...

Sorry can’t help answer this. Will have to wait for others to chime in.

I don't think the early head gasket is thinner, just narrower. The mating surfaces on the head and top of the cylinder aren't as wide on the '70-'71 models so the gasket is narrower as well to match. Here's the later, wider '72-on gasket on top, earlier '70-'71 narrow gasket on the bottom .....



The gasket for the alternator cover may differ as well, the lower locating dowel position changed .....