Just realized that my cometics do not have a provision for the lower water passage. Only three 'slits' on the top. Anyone understand this?

This is on a 440 block with EZ heads. The heads have the provision but not the gaskets.

Steve

been there, done that. drill 3/8 hole in the appropriate position. i drilled 2 holes on mine to suit the reverse flow pump. it made a big difference to the pyro temps on the 2 center exhaust ports.

By appropriate, do you mean both lower water jackets on each side of the block (4 all together). I was doing some searching and found a few posts addressing this issue but no real solutions. I can see how by opening up the gasket would definately help cool the cylinder head but why does cometic do this? I believe the fel-pros are the same way. Is there a specific reason for limiting the flow like this?

Anyone with pictures of their modification would be a bonus!

Thanks,
Steve

so what is the real reasoning for cometic doing this ?

i don't know why cometic or felpro or cortec gaskets don't have return holes in this area BUT i do know if you drill holes as i have done, my pyro's run closer to the outter pyro's temp & if nothing else, is a peace of mind thing. pic shows the extra holes i've drilled on a set of cometics ready to be cleaned for another round.

I have the original steel shim gaskets still from my 1969 383 , the holes you guys are all up in arms about are not there on my gaskets with a 18 prefix part number. I have never opened those holes on any big block and have not had an overheat issue, including an engine that was run with reverse flow cooling.

I will say the reverse flow engine was harder to purge the air out of, not sure if those holes being open would make it easier .