Help with Cometic HG and 853 head
Look at the attached pic.

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Edit; I just looked at a MLS Graphite gasket and it has holes in both sides not like the Cometic.
Edit; I just looked at a MLS Graphite gasket and it has holes in both sides not like the Cometic.
I just looked @ my used GM stock graphite gaskets pulled from a 99. The gaskets have large holes @ one end & small holes @ the other. The large holes go over the rear & the small holes @ the front. I think GM does this to ensure fluid is flowing through the back of the block/heads. If the small holes were in the back, the coolant may find an easier path through the front of the head/block & limit rear circulation. On the stock gaskets, the front of the gasket is labled. The small holes are on the front side of the gaskets.
The Cometics that were installed in their place also had the small holes @ the front & large holes in the rear (back of the block/heads).
As to the notch/no notch, I haven't a clue other than to say that the Lingenfelter web site states that #853 @ #904 for 98, 99 & some 2000 heads have the notch & require the gasket specific to the notched heads.
As for the leaking with the notch, they told me to get some Permatex copper spray and spray 2 liberal coats on both sides waiting a few minutes between coats then waiting 5 minutes before putting and bolting the heads on.
Hope this helps and works.






