OK, Heres the dope as I have found out. The 1955-1958 small block chevy 265-283 cubic inch motor uses a rope seal. We all new that. The main seal in the later model gasket kits will not even fit. I ordered a seal from Ecklers ($30 something each)that was a rope seal replacement. It comes with a wire that is inserted next to the seal to keep it in its correct position. I don't see a problem with this design, but then again I haven't run the engine yet.
When I went to the local parts store, they said they could get one for my engine for $11. When I went to pick it up the package said 1959-1967. It would not fit the early sbc. I had the attending counter computer parts looker upper check out the earlier engines for the same part number. They either had a rope seal or the late model neoprene seal. The years in their computer gave the late model seal number for the 1957s too. So I guess in answer to my own questions are;
1. No, the standard seal in the sbc gasket kits will not fit the early years.
2. The standard gasket kits do not come with a rope seal, and the after market neoprene seal is quite expensive.
3. If the parts guy can read a computer but cannot read a book, your chances of successful cross referencing are slimmer still.
