59 AB head gasket orientation
 

I have Best copper sandwich head gaskets . They are identical. each has some smaller water holes in one end of the gasket. The other end has holes the same size as the head. (edelbrock heads) my question is ; do the small holes in the gaslet go to the waterpunp end or to the bell housing end?
Thanks. Joel

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

I'd put the smaller holes in front - to help force more water to the rear of the block - where it is always running hotter.

This is why when Ford came out with the 49-53 8BA series, they put larger water holes in the block in the back.

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

Thanks for the reply.On the Edlebrock site ,there is a picture of the gasket that implies the small holes are to the front with one circled . It says to use that hole as the location to drill the head IF a bypass is required. I had not heard of that before. Would that bypass the thermostat?

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

I thought Composite Gaskets were better than copper with aluminum heads.

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

If you have a link to the Edelbrock website, drop in on here and I'll see what they have to say. I'm not aware of any bypass situation on a 59x engine.

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

Page one of install PDF:
https://edelbrock-instructions-v1.s3...brock/1125.pdf


Sorry, I woke up late this morning. Joel

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

Solid copper for higher cylinder pressures, I think. I look at these as the best of both worlds.

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

Joel, the bypass has to do with using early/late block/head combos.

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

I'm going with smaller holes in front ( water pump end of the block)

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

Sometimes gaskets have a notch along one edge to denote the front.

Re: 59 AB head gasket orientation
 

Yes, mine has the notch. This is my first time with a FH and I didn't want to assume anything.