[Barry_R]

Probably was - back in around 1985.

The non-reinforced race gaskets were originally intended for a specific purpose - race gaskets. The intent was that they be compressable to handle non-perfect intake to head fit, and be easily trimmable to accomodate ported heads. Back when the started off they never dreamed that head companies would use the GASKETS as a design reference instead of the other way around.

The first of "-S3" laminated steel intake gaskets were launched around 2000 in response to the market needs for a couple SB applications, but expanding the project got stillborn due to external reasons - corporate takeover stuff. When I had the opportunity to reformat, redesign and write the new Fel-Pro performance catalog in the 2005ish timeframe I asked the engineering group what new stuff we could put in there. In addition to a bunch of MLS parts I pushed for a relaunch/deployment of the "-S3" intakes. Since then they have done really well.

Next time you use a Fel-Pro performance catalog with the manufacturers in alphabetical order, with parts listed in the same order in each section, with technical data, and with pictures of each gasket in the back - look my way and wave. I did not run Fel-Pro performance although they are/were a sister group, and I had only nominal impact on their product offerrings - but their catalog (even the new revised one) is definitely "my baby".

The final draft was handed over to my boss the same day I parted ways with Federal-Mogul IN THE EXACT SAME MEETING.