While assembling my engine for my project 2000 SSEi, I began the head installation with the 2-4-6 head. I swore I looked at the "FRONT" on the Fel Pro gasket, and the arrow on the gasket also pointed to the front of the motor. So I torqued down the head and proceeded to install the 1-3-5 head.

However, I first notice that the arrow is now pointing towards the rear (transmission), and the "FRONT" text is on the transmission end. Even if I swapped the gaskets, the other gasket's arrow would also point to the rear, but since the other head is installed, I don't know for sure where the "FRONT" text is.

Does anybody know if these two gaskets are actually identical?

Below is a picture of the gasket in place on cylinders 1-3-5. Notice that both the arrow and "FRONT" seem reversed. However, even if I switched the gaskets, the arrow would still point this same way.

I almost pulled the other head back off, but am afraid that the gasket may be ruined if I re-torque it.

Thanks!
Bob

Flip it.

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Duh, why did I think the stripes had to be on top???

Good thing I didn't pull the head I had already torqued down!

Thanks!!!!