[Brkingspider]

First off, I'm new to this board...great site and database you guys have built. I'm glad I've finally found you!

Here we go...I am totally redoing a 289 from my wife's '65 Mustang, and this is only my second total rebuild. I am about to put on the heads/gaskets. After browsing the forums I have answered one of my questions about the small holes in the gasket for the cooling, but on the front of the block, there are NO holes in the gaskets for 2 of the main cooling holes. See attached pics showing the rear holes and the corresponding gasket holes, the front of the gasket with no holes, and (sorry for the terrible quality, was smoking while taking the pic) the block holes where I assume there should be gasket holes too.

Thanks for your time in advance...

[techinspector1]

Flip the driver's side gasket end for end and see what it looks like. Is there an arrow on the gaskets indicating "front"??

Damned Fords, that's one of the things I used hate about building one. What looks like common sense is usually wrong.

[ericnova72]

The gasket covers the FRONT holes on the Ford small block. This is to keep the water flow from the water pump from going right back to the thermostat outlet. If you block the back holes the motor will overheat. IIRC the gaskets end up showing you opposite faces(one beaded side up, other beaded side down) when installed correctly, if they aren't marked.

[Brkingspider]

Thanks a lot guys...saved me a huge headache.