I'm sure I'm the one that's wrong on this one! The cylinders are in the exact same position, but the open top of the water jackets causes a problem if using the standard head gasket. I just recalled that in order to use a standard 196 OHV head on the AL block you have to weld or screw a piece of 1/8" thick strap along the right side of the head. If you don't the block won't seal, might leak water. So I'm sure the head gasket has to be wider on that side. If the AL block gasket wasn't available I'm reasonably sure the standard head gasket could be -made- to work by adding a strip of gasket material and some sealer over on the right edge, but it's not something you'd want to do unless absolutely necessary. ----------- Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:03:42 -0800 (PST) From: Joe Fulton <piper_pa20@xxxxxxxxxxx> Welp, I think there is a separate number for a Felpro head gasket for an aluminum 196. I'll check rockauto or my local auto parts store. I could be wrong. Have been before. -- Frank Swygert Publisher, "American Motors Cars" Magazine (AMC) For all AMC enthusiasts http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html (free download available!) _______________________________________________ Amc-list mailing list Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list