| |
BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
| | Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
7 members (TUTS 59, 55shaker, klhansen, 46 Texaco, BLUEMEANIE, RBs36, Gib70),
553
guests, and
1
robot. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics126,777 Posts1,039,282 Members48,100 | | Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 143 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 143 | I have an opportunity to purchase a complete 235 engine and tranny. The serial number on the block says its a 1954 / XXXXXXXT54X. But looking at the photo the valve cover is attached by two bolts in the center, I believe this may be a 1953 or earlier head.
Question, what problem will I have with this combo. Vacuum , oil pressure etch.
Thanks Red
PS, deposit has been paid.
Last edited by Red; 01/11/2024 3:56 PM.
1950 5 Window
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,955 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,955 | Check the casting numbers on the block and head to get the year .Some people like the older valve cover and they can be put on newer engines as long as you have the hardware for the top bolts to go with it. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 28,674 | A 216/early 235 valve cover will fit later model engines, including 261s if the long studs on two rocker arm stands are installed. Invest in some oil company stock- - - -they usually leak. Casting numbers tell the real story. 216 and early 235 heads won't bolt onto a 54-up 235 or 261- - - -not enough bolts, and like the Johnny Cash Cadillac- - - -"When we tried to put in the bolts, all the holes were gone!"
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: Jun 2023 Posts: 143 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2023 Posts: 143 |
1950 5 Window
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,609 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2017 Posts: 1,609 | Ask the owner if he will take the cover off. If there are four perimeter holes on the head, its a 54 or later head. If no perimeter holes, its an earlier head. To nail it down, get the casing date just inside of the head, middle, driver side. It will start with a letter and then some numbers.
Mike
| | | | | Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 5,470 Bond Villain | | Bond Villain Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 5,470 | Ditto to what Hotrod said. I did the conversion to put a 216 valve cover on my 261 to make it look correct. I am now regretting that move as my once beautiful engine is now an oil-soaked mess. I'm in the process of putting a 261 valve cover back on.
~ John "We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are" 1948 International Farmall Super A1949 Chevrolet 3804In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum1973 IH 1310 Dump2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie"2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley) | | | | | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 854 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 854 | I put the early version of a Wayne cast aluminum valve cover on my 55 2nd 235 and then on my 261. Ya gotta use a thick gasket with no bolt holes or they leak. Mine doesn't leak. Only 2 nuts to pull for adusting the valves.
1951 3800 1-ton"Earning its keep from the get-go"In the DITY Gallery1962 261 (w/cam, Fenton headers, 2 carbs, MSD ign.), SM420 & Brown-Lipe 6231A 3spd aux. trans, stock axles & brakes. Owned since 1971. | | |
|
|
| |
