Anyone have any photos of how you've blocked off the exhaust crossover?  I confirmed a vacuum leak at one of the intake runners so I'm going to replace the gaskets...so while I have it off I'll be doing some porting work and maybe putting in a PCV valved valley cover.  Figured I'd block off the exhaust crossover while I'm at it.  
Any other tips?

I believe in a crossover to help with atomization of the fuel mixture. Todays fuel blend does run hotter so I used the “truck” gaskets which restricts the exhaust flow thru the manifold. You can tell it by the stainless attached on the holes. I also purchased a flapper valve replacement spacer with no flapper in it which also helped with heat. You can remove the bimetal spring too. I use Best intake gaskets as many here do. 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Thank you.  Maybe I'll try to find those gaskets.  

You can buy shim stock metal that is sold in increments of .010" or so that can be cut with a strong pair of scissors, or metal shears.  Simply cut out two small squares of metal and insert it between the gasket and the head to block off the heat passage.  Some folks have used coke cans, vegetable can lids for their metal.  Check out Lowes or O'Reilleys for shim stock.  Joe-JDC

JDC

Gasket is made by Best Gaskets # 14045


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks for the continued suggestions...Man, why are Best Gaskets so impossible to find?

They are only sold thru retailers signing up to supply them. I live about 15 miles from where they are manufactured but still need to go thru one of their retailers. I could also become one. 

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

CASCO selsl the gasket, I assume Hill's does.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

CASCO it is, then.  They also have the gasket for the road draft tube, so I can make a block off.  Thanks!