i just put my e street heads on and noticed that the fel pro gaskets only have the rear water jackets open. is this to force water thru the smaller ports near the cylinders

 

I`m pretty sure you need to trim any of the gasket material that would restrict the flow of water to the heads.The gaskets can be used on different heads with a different port shape. It should mention that in the instructions.The blue sealent ridge should outline the ports. Thats if I`m following what your saying.

 

you do trim them for the intake gasket but not the head gasket unless your running a 351w i think