I posted this in GD and realized I should have posted down here. Can you guys help me out here. I am reading several different things on here, much of which is 10 years old!

It seems I can use Gen 6 heads on a Mk 4 block if I either use the correct head gasket (on a 502), OR I just finished reading an article about converting from Series Flow to Parallel Flow by drilling the block using the Gen 6 head gasket as a template for the extra 3 holes. Looking at the pictures below, it appears those 3 extra holes have already been added to my block so I should be cleared to run Gen 6 heads with the Gen 6 head gasket correct and be in Parallel Flow mode.


EDIT - also - my gaskets that were leaking were "Performance Marine". What is the take on that brand? From the conversation on here it looks like Cometic or FelPro at the minimum....

[ATTACH=CONFIG]531273[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]531274[/ATTACH]

This should help. If you need a specific gasket selection I have found Cometic to have the widest range of part numbers to suit the individual needs of each grouping of Gen xx parts and bore sizes. Use caution to avoid using a part number that applies to the Gen spec and not meeting the correct bore dimension.

Bob

Thanks Bob. So reading that I should be good with the Gen 6 Heads and the right gasket I believe.

I hope to have the heads in the next week or two - a buddy of mine is giving them to me after I got a call from the machine shop last week that mine were leaking.

As mentioned in the article, you need to check the sealing area at the top of the block near the lifter valley. The best way to do it is to temporarily put the head on the block, using a scribe or pick, run it along the top edge of the block and scribe a light line on the underside of the head. Then remove the head and see how close that scribed line is to the coolant passage.
Eddie

Will Do Eddie.

Thanks for your help. I have a feeling you'll chime in on a few more of my ignorant threads before the end of the winter.