I finally have everything needed to finish my 383 and started to do the final assembly of the engine. Machine shop did the crank, rods and bearings. I installed the oil pump, timing chain, etc.
I got to the head gaskets , which are Mr. Gasket 5716's. The destructions told how to install the gaskets if you had 3 "other" types but nothing specific to the 5716. There are no markings or anything like the 1074 by Fel-pro. Which side goes to the block? I would imagine the side with the steel goes towards the block and the "laminated" layer goes towards the cylinder heads. Right?
Another thing I noticed different between the fel-pro and the Mr. Gaskets I am using , is that the holes for the coolant passage between the the center cylinders is different.
The 5716 does NOT have a hole on the lower side of the gasket as the Fel-pro does. Instead the two smaller holes are there while the fel-pro has all 3 opened. Would it be good to put the 7/16 hole (like the fel-pro)into the gasket for that coolant passage or should I leave it alone.
Any help would be appreciated

 

It seems the coolant passage I am talking about is restricted when using this gasket(5716). The passage is between cylinders 3 and 5 or 4 and 6, depending on what side you are on but definately the same from side to side.
The felp-pro 1074 feature a 7/16 hole while the mr.g's do not. The fel-pro have 2 smaller holes next to, but slightly lower than the larger 7/16 hole. The Mr g' have the 2 smaller holes but not the 7/16 hole.
The coolant passage are located on the lower side of the head just above the lower row of head bolts.

 

I wish this was answered, i'm installing mr gasket 5716s right now and don't know which side goes up. you ever find out?

 

The smooth glossy side down on the block. If you look , you will see which side has the metal rings, it goes down on the block.