I'm working with a 1955 261.

In looking around for a 848 head, I found a 913 head. They were for 1954 235 engines according to the casting number info.

There is only one old string that mentions the 913 head, and it doesn't say much about them.

What's the difference in using one or the other?
Would they result in the same compression ratio?

Any advice or info will be appreciated.

Thanks. joe

The 848 head has a smaller combustion chamber and a higher compression ratio. It also has a better nickel content and is less prone to cracking. This is the one to use. There is a place here in Dallas that has racks full of them and will ship world wide. The name of the place is Bishop Engine.
Tom

Dear Joe;

The later 54 & up 235" heads will work on the 261 engines. You need to drill the "steam holes" is all.

The 848 heads are prefered as Tom says.

Good luck.

Keep looking for that 848 head. I looked for a few months for one for my 261 with no luck, then found 2. One was free--it came bolted onto a 235 which had thrown a rod, and I had to take the whole engine, but I also got a lot of good 235 parts with it. The other I found for $25 at a salvage yard. It's my spare! I also have a nearly new 261 head, but I'm not going to use it. Maybe I'll get around to putting it on ebay one of these days.