235 Cylinder Head Question

Are some heads from certain years better than others? I've heard that heads with casting #'s starting with 848 (or something like that) are more desirable than others. If so, HOW much better are they and why?

I'm about to embark down the long road of a '54 235 build and want to seize the opportunity to maximize every little detail along the way... as long as it doesn't completely "break the bank" (although I do understand building these motors is VERY EXPENSIVE!!!)

Thanks in advance for info on this cylinder head thing!

-ns

 

An 848 head has the highest compression ratio of any 235 head. Other than that, all '53-'62 heads have the same 1.875/1.50 valve sizes. '50-'52 PG heads used 1.9375 inch intake valves that can be retrofitted to the later heads.

 

Heathen, are you familiar with how much more compression? From my earlier reasearch, I found it to be less than 0.5 higher comopression. Maybe I'm wrong, but as I recall there isnt much difference, and short of a lot of cylinder head work or stroking like we started, it isnt going to matter much.

 

Wow, this thread got buried pretty quick! Are all you inliners out in the garage or something?

I'd love a little more input if I can get it!

thanks,
ns

 

try www.stovebolt.com there is a lot of info. and links there about 235s

 

Look for a 261 truck block. Ran one of those years ago .060 over milled head and Corvette 3 side draft carbs. Would have been killer with a 4 speed or nowdays with a T5. Even with a 3 speed didn't do to bad at the stoplight drags with 283s etc.