Y-Blocks are notorious for leaking oil, by all accounts.  Since I started 'engine tear-down', I've been cautioned about rope vs neoprene rear seals, crappy umbrella vs viton valve seals, and such.  Now that I'm ready for 'engine build-up', I bought a Fel Pro full set gasket kit #7999 PT-3.  It comes with A ROPE, but it also comes with two half-moon neoprene rear seals.

After speaking with knowledgeable 'old Y-Block guys', they tell me the go-to guy is Ted Eaton from this site.  Ted, you are very highly regarded and popular with Y-Block hotroders across the USA.  Please tell me what's up with my 292 main seal.

Does the Fel Pro kit come both ways to cover all bases?  If my main oil seal was a rope, can I still use a neoprene in its place, or do I need a different main (one that accommodates the neoprene)?  Do I need anything special inside the oil pan for a pickup seal?  Where else should I pay close attention for oil leaks?

By the way Ted, Tom Drummond from Illinois, sends his greetings.  He’s the mechanic for Victor’s 55 T-bird, and says he’ll see you at this year’s Shootout in Columbus.

Thanks for your help.
Dave

Sorry for misspelling Ted's name.  Let me edit that right now.

Dave.  A neoprene seal can be fitted where a rope seal previously resided on a Y.  Al has already posted the link to the reprint of the article that was published in Y-Block magazine and there was also something similar published in Street Rodder magazine that I collaborated on with Armin Brown of Best Gasket.

One thing I’ll add though is insure that the seal surface on the crankshaft is in good condition and not pitted.  The factory hash marks on the crankshaft seal surface that help to keep the oil redirected into the engine are not a detriment to neoprene seal wear so I don’t worry about trying to remove those.  Some fine emory cloth on the seal surface is also recommended as many shops do not polish this area when they rework your crank.

And pass a HI back to Tom Drummond for me.  I’ve conversed pretty regularly with Vic but haven’t had the opportunity to speak with Tom since the Shootout.