I Have Read All That I Can 3 Questions

[gabriel-cestaro]

hi getting ready to put heads on i have 3 questions
1 head gasket has has metel between pistons on one side is this the side that goes on block side or head side ???
2 read about permtex gray is there a part number??
3 should i put this permtex on block and head sides and all bolts useing show car gasket set ????
first time putting one together
thanks gabe:dunno :dunno :dunno :dunno

[jim_ss409]

Gabe, I think the rule of thumb for head gaskets is the side with writing goes up. I've been installing the Fel-Pro gaskets with the smoother side up and the side with the ridges facing down. I don't think it matters too much with cast iron heads but I think the smooth side would be easier on aluminum heads. The Fel-Pro gaskets should seal without any sealant.
I don't know the number for the Permatex. I've been using teflon thread sealing paste and it seems to work for me okay but everybody has their own favorite. If you only use sealant on the bolts themselves there's a chance it will get stripped off by the top threads on the block. Put sealant on the treads in the block too.

[1958 delivery]

From your description I'm not sure what gasket you have, but the Felpro gasket, with metal on one side and composition on the other requires a spray on sealer on the metal side only. Do not apply any sealer to the blue composition side. You absolutely need to apply a non-hardening sealer on all head bolt threads. I prefer GM teflon paste in a tube.

[Richard/SIA]

Built some pretty high performance "215" engines for my little red P4 replica.

I really liked Hylomar, heads never leaked, and if I did have to take something apart the Hylomar caused no hassles with cleaning it up.

I learned to DESPISE Permatex, and RTV, I use Hylomar anywhere I can.

[Dond409]

Gabe,

Use 3m weather strip cement (the yellow stuff) glue the intake manifold gasket to the manifold. Use a good ultra RTV on the valley rail front and rear. Put a small bead of RTV around water ports on each head. Install manifold. Put the brown form a gasket on each manifold bolt and also the bolts for the thermostat housing. I did the above to my 409 this past year and it runs better then ever. I also installed ARP head studs. They are pricey but I strongly recommend them, along with a Victor 1195VC head gasket. These are a sandwich gasket so you use no sealant on these.