I am reinstalling the exhaust manifold on my 56 Victoria and wanted to make sure of one thing. The Felpro gasket is shiny metallic on one side and a gray paper on the other side. Does the metallic side face the head and the paper side face the manifold or does it make a difference ?

I believe the paper goes to the head and the metal goes to the hotter part, the headers. I would also add a thin coat of hi-heat silicone rtv on both sides.


1936 Ford 3W Coupe : 56 T-Bird 312, 47 Packard 3 speed, 40 juice brakes.
1968 Merc Cyclone FB GT 390, Getting a better front clip!
1977 Ford F-250 Supercab RWD Explorer Long box.
1976 Chev Camaro RS LT
Future rebuild : 1949 Ford F-1

If You have a leaky Manifold the Gaskets will burn out at some point. Better Idea is to have the Manifold Flanges machined at a Shop. Ford never supplied these Type of Gaskets.

  

Correct, but some have used gaskets with success; others have broken manifold mounting ears when installing gaskets. 

Never had a problem with gaskets and always used them.  It's all in the install so you don't break anything.

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