Payen XK engine head gasket -- which side is the top?

[Goodfellow]

I'm ready to install a new head gasket in my XK engine and ordered a Payen head set. Unfortunately the head gasket isn't marked as to "top" or "bottom". There is a difference in the two sides of the gasket

One side has a metal reinforcement on the rear water passages, while the other side does not.

This is the side without reinforced rear water passage

This is the side with reinforced rear water passage

Also, notice that the metal cylinder sealing rings in the gasket are wider and more pronounced on one side than the other

I called the seller and they said that it doesn't matter which side is top or bottom -- not sure I believe that story.

 

[LarryK]

I have never used this gasket for an XK engine. Cannot say for sure. Just Googled and got copper down.

 

[Goodfellow]

E-mailed Payen in Australia and they were very helpful. Apparently there is a top and bottom side to these gaskets. The side with the wider fire ring and the metal reinforced water passages are the "bottom" of the gasket.