Cometic C5511-040 MLS Head Gasket for Ford 289, 302 & 351 Windsor V8
Give your Ford small-block engine a dependable sealing foundation with the Cometic C5511-040 Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) Cylinder Head Gasket. Engineered for compatible Ford Windsor 289, 302, and 351W V8 engines with non-SVO cylinder head configurations, this performance gasket features a 4.030-inch round bore and .040-inch compressed thickness.
Whether you’re rebuilding a classic Ford Mustang 302, restoring a vintage Bronco, or assembling a modified 351 Windsor, choosing the correct head gasket is essential for combustion sealing, compression control, and long-term engine reliability.
Cometic’s three-layer stainless steel construction combines embossed sealing surfaces with a fluoroelastomer-coated outer layer, making it suitable for properly prepared performance engines.
Key Features and Benefits
- 4.030-Inch Gasket Bore: Designed for compatible Ford Windsor small-block engine configurations.
- .040-Inch Compressed Thickness: Supports accurate compression ratio and piston-to-head clearance calculations.
- Three-Layer Stainless Steel Construction: Provides strength, resilience, and corrosion resistance.
- Non-SVO Cylinder Head Design: Intended for compatible conventional Windsor cylinder heads.
- Embossed Sealing Layers: Help maintain sealing pressure around combustion chambers.
- Viton-Coated Outer Layers: Designed to accommodate microscopic surface irregularities.
- Performance Applications: Suitable for appropriately engineered naturally aspirated and forced-induction engines.
- Sold Individually: One cylinder head gasket per package.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cometic Gasket |
| Part Number | C5511-040 |
| Product Type | Cylinder Head Gasket |
| Engine Family | Ford Windsor Small Block V8 |
| Engine Compatibility | Select 289, 302, 351W |
| Cylinder Head Type | Non-SVO |
| Construction | Multi-Layer Steel |
| Number of Layers | 3 |
| Gasket Bore | 4.030 inches / 102.36mm |
| Compressed Thickness | .040 inches / 1.016mm |
| Bore Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Non-Directional |
| Quantity | 1 |
| UPC | 191070008437 |
Year, Make, Model & Engine Fitment
The following are common vehicle applications appearing in Cometic’s Ford Windsor fitment catalog. Compatibility depends on the actual engine, cylinder head configuration, and finished bore.
| Years | Make | Model | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964–1973 | Ford | Mustang | Select 289 / 302 / 351W V8 |
| 1979, 1983–1985, 1995 | Ford | Mustang | Select 302 / 5.0L V8 |
| 1966–1996 | Ford | Bronco | Select Windsor V8 |
| 1975–1996 | Ford | F-150 | Select 302 / 351W V8 |
| 1969–1974, 1977–1996 | Ford | F-250 | Select Windsor V8 |
| 1972–1997 | Ford | F-350 | Select Windsor V8 |
| 1963–1970 | Ford | Fairlane | Select Windsor V8 |
| 1964–1970 | Ford | Falcon | Select Windsor V8 |
| 1968–1976 | Ford | Torino | Select Windsor V8 |
| 1977–1981, 1983–1988 | Ford | Thunderbird | Select Windsor V8 |
| 1967–1981, 1983–1988 | Mercury | Cougar | Select Windsor V8 |
| 1979, 1982–1985 | Mercury | Capri | Select 5.0L V8 |
Important: These are manufacturer-listed model ranges, not guaranteed fitment for every model year, trim, or engine. Some vehicles listed above were equipped with other engine families.
$95.61
Why Choose a Cometic MLS Head Gasket?
Ford Windsor engines remain popular for classic restorations, street performance builds, and custom engine swaps.
However, reliable cylinder head sealing becomes increasingly important when changing compression ratio, installing aftermarket aluminum heads, or adding forced induction.
The Cometic C5511-040 uses three stainless steel layers with embossed sealing features designed to maintain contact pressure between the cylinder head and engine block.
Its .040-inch compressed thickness also allows engine builders to account for gasket dimensions during engine assembly.
FYI: Understanding the 4.030-Inch Gasket Bore
Most factory Ford 289, 302, and 351W engines use a nominal 4.000-inch cylinder bore.
The Cometic C5511-040 has a 4.030-inch gasket opening.
This does not automatically mean the gasket is suitable for every 4.030-inch overbore. The finished cylinder diameter, gasket opening, combustion chamber shape, and head-to-block alignment must all be checked.
If your Windsor engine has been bored beyond the gasket’s safe sealing dimensions, select a larger gasket opening.
Cometic offers additional non-SVO Windsor MLS gasket bore sizes for modified engines.
Installation Recommendations
- Confirm the engine is a compatible Ford Windsor small-block V8.
- Verify that the cylinder heads use the appropriate non-SVO gasket pattern.
- Measure the finished cylinder bore.
- Inspect the cylinder heads and block deck for warpage or damage.
- Confirm the surface finish meets Cometic MLS installation requirements.
- Clean the sealing surfaces thoroughly.
- Check gasket alignment and fluid passages.
- Install the gasket without additional sealant unless Cometic specifies otherwise.
- Use the correct cylinder head bolts or studs and tightening procedure.
- Complete assembly and inspect for leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cometic C5511-040 fit a Ford 302?
Yes, it is designed for compatible Ford 302 Windsor configurations with non-SVO cylinder heads and the appropriate cylinder bore.
Will it work on a 351 Windsor?
Yes, provided the engine uses a compatible non-SVO cylinder head arrangement and the gasket opening is suitable for the finished bore.
Does it fit a 5.0 Mustang?
It may fit compatible 5.0L Windsor engines. Confirm the exact engine and cylinder head configuration before ordering.
Does this gasket fit a Ford 351 Cleveland?
No. The 351 Cleveland uses a different cylinder head and block architecture.
Can it be used with aluminum cylinder heads?
Yes, when the head and block are compatible with this gasket design and the mating surfaces meet MLS requirements.
Does the package include two gaskets?
No. Cometic C5511-040 is sold individually. A complete V8 engine typically requires two.
Build Your Ford Windsor Engine with Cometic
The Cometic C5511-040 MLS Head Gasket combines a 4.030-inch round bore, .040-inch compressed thickness, and three-layer stainless steel construction for compatible Ford 289, 302, and 351W small-block V8 engines.
Whether you’re restoring a classic Mustang or building a performance Windsor engine, proper head gasket selection and installation help establish reliable engine operation.
Shop Ford performance engine parts and replacement components at Pro Street Online.
Specification: Cometic C5511-040 MLS Head Gasket for Ford 289, 302 & 351 Windsor V8
|
User Reviews
Be the first to review “Cometic C5511-040 MLS Head Gasket for Ford 289, 302 & 351 Windsor V8”
You must be logged in to post a review.
There are no reviews yet.