Chevrolet 216 rope seal? Yes or No?

[Alex van de Wetering]

I am looking for some opinions on the rope seal on the rear main bearing cap on a Chevrolet 216.

I have my engine parts back from the rebuilders and they are patiently waiting for me to find the time and energy to put everything together. It took out a fair chunk of my budget, but now a friend told me last week that I should also consider having the rear bearing cap machined to take a modern day seal.

Who out there is using an original style rope seal (one of the non asbestos replacements) with modern day oils? Any trouble?

Alex