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| | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 | Hello all. I have two heads for my upcoming 235 build. My first is Head 1 is a 3836848 GM-28 date:D-234.
Head 2 is a 3836848 GM-30 date:H87.
My first question is Head #1 April 23 1954?
Second question are there any differences between the heads at all?
Thank you.
Last edited by Shaffer's1950; 02/10/2018 6:13 PM.
1950 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 6,214 | If memory serves me the 3836848 head came out in 1956, so your D234 date would be 1964 (replacement head). Normally when changes were made the casting numbers were also changed. Mike B 
Last edited by Mike B; 02/08/2018 4:10 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 | Mike, I was thinking 64' but I could not find any information on the years the cast head number was produced. Thank you.
1950 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
The last year that head was used in regular production was 1962 (261 heads were used as regular production in a few models of trucks in 1963).
Casting dates after that would have been on replacement heads (they were cast/made after regular production usage).
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 310 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 310 | My understanding is the same as Mike's. If a change was made (casting or even cast iron alloy content), a new casting number was given. The 3836848 was the last style of head produced for the 235.
-Tim
'51 Chevy 3104 w/'56 235, 848 Head, HEI Dizzy, Corvette Cam, Split Manifold and Dual Carter YF's
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 660 | Good information. Assuming they are exact (if it was not modified) valves, intake size ECT?
1950 Chevy 3100
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Yep, Tim
We are all in agreement.
However, I wish Warren Foster (wdoftexas) was still around. He was a GM truck-parts expert (his career at GM gave him knowledge and authority).
If Greg Hill reads this maybe he will confirm/correct Warren finding a later date casting of a 261 block that seems to have traits of different-year 261s (presumably allowing them to be replacements in various year vehicles?) - same block casting code as the 1962/1963 261 block, and a later casting year. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,652 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,652 | The earliest 848 head I have ever seen, and I still have it, is a late 55 casting, like October or November, I forget now. So cast for the 56 model year. I acquired this head just this past year. Up to that point I had thought the 848 was a mid 56 introduction and over the counter replacement for the 5913 head. Goes to show you what I know, lol.
I just looked at the head , K 8 55.
Last edited by Dragsix; 02/09/2018 2:14 AM.
Mike
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 1,299 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 1,299 | Yep, Tim
We are all in agreement.
However, I wish Warren Foster (wdoftexas) was still around. He was a GM truck-parts expert (his career at GM gave him knowledge and authority).
If Greg Hill reads this maybe he will confirm/correct Warren finding a later date casting of a 261 block that seems to have traits of different-year 261s (presumably allowing them to be replacements in various year vehicles?) - same block casting code as the 1962/1963 261 block, and a later casting year. Warren sold me a 261 that date codes later but has the water pump design of a 54 block. He said they were over the counter engines designed to be a drop in replacement for the 216s when they failed. I think the casting numbers matched the 54 design but the actual date code was later. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,774 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,774 | The 261 we just finished building for John has a 1959 casting date, and it was machined for the later style main bearings- - - -but it's the high water pump design that was discontinued as a production engine in mid-1955. No stampings at the distributor pad, also, so it must be a replacement block for 54-55 engines, IMHO.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Thanks, Greg, that is what I thought/remembered Warren told/showed us.
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