rear main seal

I have a question about the rear main seal on my car. It is a 1975 olds 350. I have the engine torn down to where the pistons and rods are still in the the engine, but the crank is out. I was wondering if there is an alternative to the rope seal, main seal? Is there anything better than a rope seal? I went to Auto-Zone, i hate going there because they have their heads up their butts, all they had in stock were rope seals. I know they have been used for many years and have gotten the job done. So is there an equal or better alternative to the main seal-rope seal? Or should i not even worry about it? One of my buddies recommended looking up a newer model year car and using that seal? Let me know what you think.

thanks for your time.

Rear main seals in oldsmobiles rarely go out, but in your case, a new rear main seal would be a good idea. The rope seals are used in all kind of Oldsmobile blocks, and I personally havent seen any fail. If you are really that worried about it, i would get ahold of mondello and ask for a rear main seal kit, or where to locate one. Usually their pretty congenial about things like that. However, if it was me, i would just use the roap seal and go.