Abstract: A composite gasket is formed of a metal core and includes a compressible composition gasket facing material on both sides of the core. Intermediately of at least one facing and directly against the core is interposed a thermally conductive layer of material having a thermal conductivity greater than that of the metallic core material. The thermally conductive layer enhances the ability of the composite gasket to laterally transfer heat, thus avoiding hot spots in the combustion chamber regions of the gasket. In a preferred form, the thermal conductivity layer is comprised of an expanded graphite material. The compressible gasket facing material is made of a composite including clay, rubber, and aramid fiber.

Abstract: A shift bracket assembly for a manually operated transmission provides a lighter and more desirable spring force on a transmission shift lever, with fewer parts than as required by the prior art. The bracket is disposed for affixation to, and movement with, an axially movable shift rail; the bracket including a transversely aligned plunger slidably disposed within a bore in the bracket. In a preferred embodiment the bore is stepped, and slidingly retains a mating stepped plunger, the plunger including a cam surface for continuous coaction with a spring and poppet ball at all operative positions of the plunger.