Head gaskets for the 5.7-liter Hemi are marketed Left and Right. In fact, there are separate part numbers for each side. Although they will physically fit on either side of the engines, there’s a potential for leaks if each gasket is not installed on its respective deck.

The latest tech video with Mahle Aftermarket‘s Bill McKnight emphasizes this crucial step when working with the selected Victor Reinz gasket. McKnight stresses that it’s important to read the instructions included with the gaskets and to note which are the right and left gaskets as well as the top and bottom sides. He also points out that the gaskets are constructed using using similar stampings on the top and bottom of the multi-layer steel (MLS) head gasket. That means if you flip a gasket, you’ll still notice the lettering but it will be reversed.

“Don’t be deceived by that,” urges McKnight.

In other words, when you install the gasket, make sure you can properly read the markings and that the left and right gaskets are installed on the correct sides of the engine block.

As a side note, the Victor Reinz Hemi gaskets are designed to accommodate a .030-inch overbore. Looking at the catalog, we also see that the company offers a standard 3-layer version with a compressed operating thickness of .70mm or .0275-inch. And there’s also a thicker 4-layer version with a compressed operating thickness of .90mm or .0355-inch in case you need less compression or have resurfaced the deck or cylinder head.

For more information on the complete line of products from Victor Reinz and Mahle Aftermarket, check out their website.