Maybe you can answer this question for me: the A&P says
to install the two thin plate exhaust gaskets from Superior Air Parts (SA
part no. 632837, I think) on each head so that the half-round bead is out on
each side, one bead up and one down. But the guys at Sacramento
Sky Ranch
say the two gaskets should be installed with the raised beads interlocking
and facing the exhaust stack flange. Which one is correct?

I don't have a reference handy but I was once taught that Continentals want the
gaskets interlocked as Sac Sky Ranch describes and Lycoming wants the raised
beads opposite.

I think the No Blo gasket is the one with a a thick outer perimeter and a
circular inner portion.

The only gasket types I have ever seen blow out are the copper asbestos types.

John Dupre'