Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 235 Head Swap Question

Hello- I have a question regarding swapping a later head onto an earlier engine.
I have a '53 Chevy 235 w/ manual trans that needs a valve job. A friend gave me a freshly rebuilt head from a '59 235. I'm wondering if it's possible to bolt the later head to the earlier engine. Thanks,Mike

Yes, all 53-62 235/261 heads are interchangeable. Just be sure to re-use the rocker arms from the '53. It should run a little better with the later head, as it will bump up the compression some.

Make sure it's a pressure lubed '53, the dipper 235's use the 216 head bolt pattern and they are not compatible.

All '53 and up 235's have the same cylinder head. Dipper or pressure, doesn't matter. Look at a Hollander interchange manual. The '53 stick and truck 235 engines are unique in that they were the only ones (made in USA) that had the newer top end, but retained the babbit pounding lower end. Some goofy combo's were made in Canada over the years, like a short pushrod cover 216, but I don't really have any info on these engines.