There weren't really any chunks, its not like normal gasket material, its like a stainless mesh that is swaged into a ring

 

I used a pair of needle nose pliers. Got em out nicely with those.

 

why didn't you use the SE gaskets? they are actually cheaper, about 8 dollars for 2.

 

OK - with any luck I'll get to experience this myself in the spring!

 

Well, before I got the gaskets a bunch of guys in the Engine forum said the regular ones seal better. I already had them when you guys were saying to use the SE

 

SMOKEin - Great point!!

 

come on FEDEX.............

 

+1 on the original for me too.

 

I used some hooked pliers and just kept going at it till enough of the metal fibers came out and I could pull the whole thing out cleanly. But dentist tools should work better

 

I am in the same boat more or less, I have a set of Big shot staggered laying on my garage floor. I am waiting on one quiet baffle to arrive, this week, before I mount them.
I normally would not even change the gaskets, but the nuts worked loose on me this summer, so I am going to change them. I originally picked up the OEM gaskets, then I went back and exchanged them for the SE gaskets, because they are advertised to flow better and allow for easier install.