An improved head gasket particularly for multi-cylinder V-type internal combustion engines for motor vehicle applications in which the gasket defines one or more leg extension areas. The extension area features an extension seal attached to the main head gasket material and is preferably formed from a perforated metal carrier sheet which supports a bead of elastomeric material formed on both face surfaces of the carrier sheet. The extension seal serves as an energy absorber to reduce the likelihood of over-compression of the head gasket during installation of the cylinder head onto the engine block. The extension seal further provides a high degree of tolerance to changes in gap separation between the sealing surfaces of the cylinder head and engine block, thereby providing an effective seal against gasket leakage.
