If the application requires a rope seal, you need to give up on the Best seal. Its not the companies fault, but they don't work. The reason? Asbestos. The original rope seals were made up with asbestos component. The new Best seals are a fiberglass graphite affair. Kick the bushes hard for an old gasket set for your 302, think like late 70s early 80s at the newest. Keep your fingers crossed the asbestos based rope seal is there and its pliable. If it is, give that a try.

Mike