Do NOT use those gaskets on any block that the bore will be bigger than 4.320 They where designed to be used on the 38 and 426 W blocks, not the 400 and 440 blocks Look at the standard Fel Pro # 8519 or a better race gasket from Cometic, SCE or one of the other race gasket companies that offer the bigger bore sizes
When Mopar started using the 440 blocks in 1973 in the trucks and motorhome chassis they change head casting and blocks with those holes to allow water to circulate around the exhaust ports and valves for better cooling The early 1009 gaskets didn't come with them either so you have a late set

on a budget? try the fel-pro 8519.

I've used a bunch of them on pump gas street motors with aluminum heads and less than 10.8 to 1 compression ratio with good results

8519 is not a good # on the fel pro site.

When Fel pro specifies bore size are they talking gasket bore or cylinders bore?

How much larger do you want the gasket bore vs the cylinder bore?
G

The head gasket is Felpro 8519 PT-1

I don't think I would use that gasket in your motor, to much of a chance of detonation above 12.0 to 1 compression ratio which could take the gasket out between the cylinders and ruin the block and head
Been there and done that once, a long time ago
Look at SCE and some others for a gasket designed for that compression ratio with the correct bore size

I've safely used a fel-pro 1059 at 12.5:1. main thing is keeping the fire ring away from the cylinder bore.

I've safely used a fel-pro 1059 at 12.5:1. main thing is keeping the fire ring away from the cylinder bore.

Thanks L is there a rule of thumb for how far away ?

i had to get my fel-pro catalog out to check the number. the number is 1039 not 1059, my mistake. this gasket was an easy/ reliable choice for a big bore and alum heads. rule of thumb on distance of fire ring from bore? I never came up with one but I know from experience the 1009 is a no-no. the 1039 has a 4.590" bore, per the catalog and the fire ring is comfortably distanced from the bore on a 400 or 440 block. I used the 1039 on a 4.375 bore 470.

1039 looks like great gasket. My only concern is the additional.020 ish in thickness. How might this affect the pushrod length. Solid roller. Also may be worth mentioning thes are iron 440-1 heads. Thanks for all your insight. I think I’m leaning towards the 17059 . Same thickness as the 1009 previously used on this engine, but a larger bore . It seams guys have used them with the 12-1 ratio.
G