The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 block- 216 head???

I have a restored 1948 Chevy 3600, and the engine has a 235 block id stamp ( 3837004), but the valve cover looks like the 216 configuration with the 2 bolts running down the center. Could this be possible, a 216 head on a 235 block?? What is best way to confirm ???? thanks




Revised. it looks like my head id is 3835913- which is a 235 from 1954- again with the 2 bolt valve cover . in other words 1955 235 block and 1954 235 head- make sense??

Post the head casting code and the head date casting code.
http://www.1954advance-design.com/Web%20images/casting-code-photos/low-press-codes-ser-nums.html

Both 216s and 235s had 2-bolt valve covers before 1954.

That block number is for '55-'57 235 , so not a 216 head as it will not fit . Easy to pull the 2 center bolts from each rocker shaft and replace with long studs to fit the early valve cover , often done to hide the newer engine .

[img]https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/12201/filename/54 235.JPG[/img]Lots of folks have put a 2 stud valve covers on 54 and later 235/261s, especially the polished aluminum ones. Look for 4 small threaded holes, 2 on each side next to or under gasket, 235 for sure. Again go by the casting numbers!
Best of luck

W/r/t/ 216 vs 235:
The difference is not the displacement or even the year.
It's how many bolts fasten the head to the block - they must match.
All 216, and early 235 have 15 bolts.
Late 235 & all 261 have 18 bolts.
It's not just 3 extra bolts, the pattern is different.