Coolant passages in a Block

[john108]

The engine that I have been stripping has a Block Cast 11-30-1976.  The 1st picture below shows the figure 8 coolant passages on the decks.  I know I have seen some discussion of these passages before but I can't remember some of the logic.  I thought it gave greater cooling capability for the block.  When you look at the 2nd and 3rd pictures, which show the head gasket, the coolant flow appears restricted to the heads.
My question relates to the desirability of possibly restricting flow to aluminum heads on a 505 stroked 440.  The shape of the passage is changed but the actual flow area may be equivalent?? I didn't measure it.

If it is or isn't, WHICH head gasket is recommended with this shape passage?
AND, any knowledge you can share about the extent of these larger passages (are they only local or extend through the block).
Thank you - John

[Cooter]

Normal, and actually helps to slow the coolant down. ALOT of questions bout the "slots" instead of "holes", bit no need to worry..Install and leave alone. A buddy cut them out and his 440 ran hotter becasue of it. (Moving coolant too fast)

[john108]

Cooter -
It appears that the HEADS only have a passage that covers only HALF of the figure-8 hole in the block.  So we actually get a slot passage thru one hole in the head.  The attached picture is from the head I removed but I believe the e-heads (Edelbrock Performer RPM 440 Heads-60929) that I will be using, are not much different.
What shape passage does the fel pro 1009 gasket have for those coolant passages?  Are they also Slots?
Thank you - John

[Cooter]

IIRC, ALL BB Chrysler head gaskets have only the "slots"..Don't know bout the Eddy head specific head gaskets though as I've never run 'em.