'68 318, 302 heads. I just don't know if it's intentional with this Felpro #8553 that the gasket covers up what appears to me to be a waterway at the front corners of the block. Both the block and the head have a passage here. This is the only passage that is completely covered by the gasket, so I'm suspicious.

I'm a former Fel-Pro engineer... and was the lead Tech Line member and seminar trainer for North America. Your question is the the #1 head gasket question... for all gasket companies.

All blocks/heads will have additional casting holes.... to remove sand during the casting process. The gaskets are designed to control the flow pattern and volume of coolant between the block and head. Typically, the front casting hole(s) are blocked so to allow coolant to move towards the rear opened holes... picking up heat as it flows.

Some engine designs require a FRONT directional stamping (Fords)... for the same purpose. Mopars are smart... no directional stamp required.

The SB Mopar is directional (fool-proof) as it has dowel pins that only allow the head gasket to be installed in one proper direction ... per LH and RH banks.

Install and move forward with the assembly.

But how can I trust your answer Mitch?
Srrusly tho, thanks so much, love Moparts, onward!

Adding to what mitch said... do not poke a hole in the gasket (I've seen it done), blocking that port forces coolant around the cylinder jackets to the back of the block, then up through the back of the head and out the front of the head into the intake. with a hole there it would flow only to the front cylinders and the back of the engine would get very hot while the front cooled too much.

On a side not those are very thick gaskets and will dramatically reduce compression on a 318.

Heavens knows no one has ever thought they were smarter then the gasket company and DID cut the holes.. At least I never put the heads on that way but did buy new gaskets way back, like $22 a pair.