Head gasket question

Playing with my engine and noticed a couple of things about the head gasket vs the block
Head gasket is a felpro 1009 the bock is a world rb.
The oval water holes in the block deck are blocked by the gasket . There are matching holes in the head. Why are they blocked?
The round water holes in the deck are limited by the gasket via little slots . I assume this is to slow the water down for better cooling efficiency.
School me
G

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

1009 may be ok on a 361/413 but i'm not sure i'd use them on anything bigger; unless you don't mind welding up a torched head.

See......that’s why I ask questions. This thing ran 2 seasons that way. Yes the bore is 4.373 and these gaskets hole look two small .
cab throw me a part number for a decent gasket if you know off hand. This is a budget bracket motor runs on methanol if that matters .
As always thanks very much.
G

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

I”ll look at it thanks to both of you .
Think it’s an ok piece for na 12-1?

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

Thanks got it

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

Thanks Cab will do.
Gary

I've safely used a fel-pro 1039 at 12.5:1. main thing is keeping the fire ring away from the cylinder bore.

I've changed the number to 1039. 1059 was wrong.

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

I’m guessing you meant 17059. Looks like it would be fine with my 4.373 bore.
Thanks for all of the help
G

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

I've never used the 17059 so I can't honestly comment on it. the 1039 is the head gasket indy cylinder threw at us and it was a real problem solver. I was thinking the 1039 was .012" thicker than the 1009,...? I wouldn't buy push rods for .012", unless your on the ragged edge with push rod geometry. maybe your just going to have to gather some gaskets up and mock it up to see what's the best fit,....?

Make sure you get the 4.500 bore in the 17059. Next smaller is too small.

Sorry you are correct.
Not focusing here.
I will do some mockup and then decide
G

If your adjusters are 3/8x24 thread one full turn is .042 length increase or decrease, 1/4 turn is close to .0103 7/16x20 size is .050 per full turn

The 17059 is a Marine gasket.... has stainless steel internal solid core... and a wrap-around (folded) stainless steel combustion armor. Its actually a very durable head gasket for performance usage. NOTE: Stainless steel will not rust (marine environment, includes salt water).

The 1009 and 1039 are true racing intended gaskets -- they have a tin-plate internal solid core... but with stainless steel folded cylinder armors WITH an internal pre-flattened wire ring (racing intended!)... that creates a solid fire wall against detonation/pre-ignition hi-compression common problems.

The bore diameters can be a problem, pending how large you go.

Also, "casting holes" are always restricted by the head gaskets -- to control the flow pattern/direction and volume of coolant.

I'm a former Fel-Pro applications engineer... your questions are common.

Thanks for weighing in. I appreciate your input . Sounds like I would be ok if I chose either of those two

I wonder if the 1009 gasket has been recently redesigned. I bought a pair of them to use on a 4.350 bore engine I am working on. After seeing this I took a closer look and I don't see a problem. Certainly not questioning Cab's experience but the ones I have look fine to me. Not sure what's the deal.

Ordered a1039.
Now have my push rods and should be fine

That’s a great gasket. I still have a couple in my stash but I moved on to Cometic gaskets for the builds I have now.