I'm having a hell of a time finding Fel-Pro head gaskets for a '51-54 Chrysler Hemi....a '54 model to be exact. The Fel-Pro part number is 7572PT, and according to Fel-Pro they no longer make it. In the '09 Fel-Pro catalog, they show that they still carry the full gasket set for a '54 331, part # FS7572PT-1, but after searching all over and even having different parts houses call Fel-Pro multiple times, it apparently is discontinued as well. I ordered a Fel-Pro '55 331 Full Gasket Set thinking that I could just order the proper '51- '54 timing cover and oil pan gaskets from "Best" through Hot Heads (which I did) to replace the ones that came with the '55 set. I thought that the '55 head gaskets would work....well after the gasket set showed up I realized that they won't. 4 of the pushrod holes on the '55 head gasket are teardrop shaped and hang out past the head and the deck. Evidently the block and head shape was changed in '55, probably to accept the new for '55 Polysphere heads as well as the Hemi heads. So now I have everything to put my 331 back together but head gaskets, and I really don't want to use the "Best Gasket" head gaskets that Hot Heads and PAW carry. Anyone have an extra set of Fel-Pros kicking around? A full set would work, but a set of head gaskets by themselves would be ideal. Or if you know of another option besides "Best"...please post it. Thanks!
Here are some pics to illustrate why the '55 gaskets won't fit the '54 head. First pic is '55 type gasket on '55 head (top) and '54 type gasket on '54 head. Second pic is '55 type gasket on '54 head. You can see the edge of the sealing surface of the head through the pushrod hole.
Think the dowel pin size is different also. The Tex Smith Mopar Hot Rod Book (not the hemi book) shows the differences between the 54 & 56 gaskets.
old thread but worth reviving what you have to do there, is permatex the hole shut around the pushrod hole- there is only crankcase pressure and fumes there, not water or compression dope it up to block it and run it
54 and 55 should have the same dowel pins. I know the 55 and earlier engines used a bigger dowel pin with a rounded top. My 1956-58 engines all have the newer smaller pins with a chamfered top.
This is an older post. I ended up using an older set of Victor steel shim head gaskets...about 7500 miles on them now with no problems. Not too long after I got the 331 back together, Cometic started selling MLS gaskets that will work on an early 331. I would have gone that way at the time if I had the choice.
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