The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 3835913 vs 3836848 head

Could someone tell me the difference between these 2 heads?? 3835913 vs 3836848. Do they have same size valves? Why does the 3836848 have higher compression ratings? I saw some old posts and someone said they were basically the same head except for the water temp gauge. I have both heads, just trying to figure out which is the better head.

Eric,

My guess is that any difference in valves might explain only a little of the difference. There must be a smaller volume chamber in the "848" head.

A few months ago, someone posted that they might try to measure the combustion chamber volumes of different 235 heads.

If you want high compression, the "848" head is better than the "913" head.

Except for the 1950-52 Powerglide head, all 235 & 261 heads have 1.875" intake, 1.500" exhaust.

I just got the 848 head on a spare motor, The 913 is on motor in the truck and running. The truck is going to be a retirement and week end toy. How much of a gain can be expected from the 848 head,gas mileage, performance, power ect... Is it worth changing heads or just keep it for a spare?

Unless you're planning on other modifications like a hotter cam, intake/exhaust changes, etc., I'd recommend staying with the original head. Stovebolt cylinder heads are notorious for having cracks, so it's possible the 848 that hasn't run in a while might not be serviceable when you're partway through the swap. If you do go ahead with it, have a machine shop do a valve job and inspect it for cracks first.
Jerry