The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop can I put a center bolt valve cover head on a 1954 car motor?

Hi everyone. I am looking to put a full pressure 235 into my 1936 chevy 1/2 ton. I found a 1954 bel air original engine but I want to try to keep the stock look as much as possible. Will an earlier head fit on this block? I know a 53 full pressure engine did have a center bolt valve cover. 54 is the first year for the perimeter bolt on style. I'm thinking a 53 head would fit but just a guess. This motor is a 54 powerglide car motor.
Thanks!!
Ron..

All you need to do install the rocker arm studs from the earlier motor on the 54 head. Then you can install the earlier valve cover.

T take it your truck was born with a 207?

The Offenhouser valve covers for the later 235's used studs through the rocker arm stands and mounted like the 216s so I would have to assume that it will work. If you use the 235 valve cover though, the gaskets stick out around their side bolt holes.

As truckernix said, you just need to replace the two bolts with studs to use that style cover.
The only problem is you can only use a 1937-53 cover. Your 1936 cover is to long for a 235.

Oh cool!! I didn't know it had a place to put the studs. I haven't picked up the motor yet so I i haven't seen under the valve cover. Yes mine is a 207. Runs good but has a cracked block on the drivers side from being frozen in Oregon before I got it. I knew I would need a 235 valve cover. Mine is longer and a bit wider too. I don't trust this 207 for going on a long drive. It is fine for weekend drives around town but not much more. I am going to do a t5 with a full pressure 235 so I can drive it anywhere anytime. I am going to stay as stock looking as possible. Here's a link to pics of my truck: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/4010893/1936-chevrolet-c-k-pick-up/
thanks for the tips everyone!!!
Ron..

Classic Parts - 2 bolt valve cover conversion kit

Chevs of the 40s - not as nice a kit

Jim Carter - 2 bolt valve cover conversion kit

Jeff Ogden put a lot of work into getting the details right when he disguised a '57 235 to look like a 216 in his '37.
> CLICK - "Going back to the basics in my 37"

Unfortunately, his photos on Webshots were vaporized when Webshots closed their photo hosting site. Don't know if he has stored them on a new hosting site.

Jeff is also "junkyardjeff" on VCCA.org Chat.

Ron,
that is a beautiful truck, I must say!

Hi Ron
If it was me... I'd just swipe the studs and nuts while I'm swiping the cover.

I have gotten my 57 235 to look as much like a 216 as possible except for a fuel pump so if you want to see some pics PM me with your email address and I will let you see what I have done.