I bought the Victor-Reinz set and studied the gaskets for a "FRONT" label and found none. I inspected them for hole variations end to end and none except for the stud hole. So install them with what little lettering their is on the top side. I could find no other difference. Then I get further into the gasket set and I find a little paper that says the head gaskets should have a "FRONT" stamped into them. Never saw "FRONT" on anything. I looked back at my pictures and did not find any blocked deck holes that would be blocked by the head gaskets if I had installed them on either side. In fact there were extra holes in the head gaskets covering no holes in the block. Just looking for a little assurance that I did not install the head gaskets randomly.

 

Come on guys. Waiting to put on the exhaust manifolds!

 

Small Block Chevy head gaskets are non-directional. There are no markings because it doesn't matter.

https://www.felpro.com/technical/tec...-a-gasket.html

GD

 

Thanks man. Stupid Victor-Reinz kit warning paper fell out and I read it and have been slightly concerned I missed something ever since.

 

As long as you didn't install them upside down.

 

Management told the circus monkeys in packaging that all kits containing head gaskets have to include the warning leaflets. Can you imagine trying to get the 18 y/o kid in packaging to pull out his earbuds and actually read part numbers to determine if the paper is applicable? Not happening.

GD

 

There was also no TOP label anywhere. And they looked identical from either side. Some kind of metallic layered gasket. Anyway, There was a small stamped number on each- I put it "up" so it is readable. Go figure.

 

General rule with SBC gaskets is to install with part # side up. There is no "front" or "back" to them, the engine (block heads & gasket) is symmetrical in that direction. However if you look at the fire rings, you can see that they're not exactly the same on both sides, meaning that there is a definite "top" and "bottom". But even that is not particularly critical for most of em. So it sounds like you have them right.

 

Whew.

 

Yup not directional. It's up to your personal preference which side goes up.

Dang, bunch of old farts in here! Bet the old farts in your day said the same thing about y'all playing with those hoop and stick things. Besides, kids use AirPods nowadays.