The main reason why there are 4-piece gaskets for the early LA engines is because of manufacturing tolerances. IF a manufacturer were to attempt to create a 1-piece gasket where there is a wide amount dimensional tolerance, such as with the early LA engines, then some may work... some may not. Best bet... stay with the OE design... 4-piece for the early LA engines.

I'm a former gasket engineer.. I know the industry....

Mopar Mitch "Road racers and autocrossers go in deeper and come out harder!"... and rain never stops us from having fun with our cars... in fact, it makes us better drivers! Check out MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, August 2006 issue for feature article and specs on my autocross T/A!