I can see opening up the bottom hole but I think I'd leave that top one alone. You don't want to cut down the flow around that back combustion chamber. I know it doesn't seem like the rear slot has enough area but that restriction is only about a half inch long so it acts more like a nozzle and you can get a lot of flow through there. On the 215's that is the only communicating passage from the block to the head. Personally I don't think re-engineering the head gaskets is the answer. It seems to me the problem must be somewhere else. Jim
I am talking about the center scallops on the crankcase side of the heads/engine. The earlier 68-72 mid year engines do not have these center passages. I am still a little concerned that the steel shims will not fully cover the center scallop and cause a leak but I could be wrong.
Hi Jim; That little slot is the only thing to get water to the head on a 300 too.There is another hole there on the 350, but it doesn't look big enought either. So I got out my trusty broach kit and cut some holes in the old gasket. When I was porting the heads, I ported the water outlet hole and the head slot. It worked well on the 300. It ran nice and cool. I matched the new holes and it looks like it will flow more water. There is a parts place in Flint that I could take my gasket to and maybe match up a pic of what they have for a 72-350. I know that if I order some standard one's I could cut them right. Or I could just call Denny Manner. He lives just down the street, and ask him what is going on. While i'm at it, i could ask him why Him and his crew insisted on hiding the distributer clamp bolt on every engine!:laugh: :grin: I have some pics of my latest holes. I just kept them in the back of the block. No Shortcuts allowed. PONCH
Well I talked with Denny Manner yesterday and he told me that the steel shim head gaskets should work, even tho they're only used until '71. He gave me a bunch of things to look at, but I can't do much till my new gaskets get here. He said the only hole that should be open is the long slot in the rear. Well that's what I had so something else is wrong. I've been poking around and can't find any obstructions, so i'll just have to wait. He also said he'd like to stop over and give me a hand, but he's leaving to go snowmobiling for Two weeks. Must be real tough!! I sure do miss mine. It's been a perfect Winter for blasting through the snow. I'll keep you informed. Thank's for asking. PONCH
