[Shotimes] question about holes in head gaskets

[van Oss]

Noticed recently that coolant passages (judging by holes in block and heads) 
seemed to be oval, whilst holes in the head gasket were circular.  I suppose 
enlarging the holes in the gaskets (porting, if you will) would weaken them. 
Still, the rather small (1/4'' dia.) round holes in the gasket seemed 
obviously to be a constriction on coolant flow.

Anyone know anything about this?  Is the constriction on coolant flow 
anything to bother about?  Is it possible to enlarge those holes without 
throwing away gasket integrity?

Seems like a question for Hrinsin but I'm having trouble getting 
re-subscribed to TechSHO just now.  Bit of a bother with Topica.

VO