Head gaskets
 

Just received my new top end gasket set and the head gaskets I removed seem to be a solid material and the new ones are an open design. Is all ok using them in my 3.0L?

Old head gaskets.........
 

Gary,

The old aluminum cylinder head gaskets have been compressed and subjected to heat for many years. The new gaskets would look the same as your old ones after some years of usage. I noticed that too and just completed two (2) top & bottom engine rebuilds (SC's) this spring/summer time. You'll be OK.

Tony

Once I looked at the old ones more closely I could see they were the same, just baked and caked up. Thanks!

Even if the gasket looks the same, use caution. The new Victor Reinz CE rings are horrible quality. I recently got a Reinz gasket set with an engine from a customer and after building half the engine, disassembled it because I just wasn't happy with these gaskets.
This consistent lack of quality is why we only use Wrightwood Racing gaskets. Charlie is almost fanatical about the quality of the parts he sells.

All good, thanks.