1941 Chevy 216 cylinder head question

[Ed S.]

I have a 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe Coupe with it's original 216 Engine. I found the cylinder head is cracked in several places evidently from running hot. Been searching online for another head and find much confusion on what cylinder head will work on this engine. I've seen everything from a 216 or 235 as long as its a 15 bolt head to many other answers. I'm looking for a replacement head but with all this confusing information I am getting, I am reluctant to purchase one not knowing if it will actually work on my block.  I found one head for a 216 with a casting number of 3835517 but the seller says it for 48-52 216 and won't work on my 41. Can anyone give me a solid, correct answer on what head I can use?  I would sure appreciate some information and help with this. Thanks! 

[Bloo]

I don't know, but I am sure that if you ask this on the forums at http://vcca.org/forum/ you will get a definitive answer, and maybe even some leads on a head.

[Ed S.]

Thanks Bloo, I will check the site out.

[joe_padavano]

The 1937-1953 heads (second gen Stovebolt motors) are different from the 1954-1962 heads (third gen). The later heads use more head bolts (18 bolts vs. 15 bolts).  This web page has photos.

Edited December 4, 2017 by joe_padavano (see edit history)

[Spinneyhill]

The Hollander 1952 says Chev '37-'48 All plus Army are interchangeable. There were two types.

A. #602977, 602746, 838228, 838751, casting # 838773. Chev '37-40 All.

B. #839409, casting #839401. Chev '41-48 All civilian and army. Fits #440 = Chev '50-51 but not power glide. #3835543 is used as a replacement on '41-49 but must use 45^o valves.

Note: '37-40 fits later but not vice versa.

 

Another source says '37-42 Chev Master interchange with G.M.C. '38-41 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 4403.

[Rusty_OToole]

One difference is, early engines had a stamped tin side cover that covered the lifter and pushrod area, it covered the side of the block and ran up onto the side of the head. On later engines it covered the block only. Not sure when the change was made but I think your 41 had the older type engine?

[Bloo]

I am fairly sure all 216's have the full side cover.

 

If you want to start talking about 235s and what happened with 1950-52 powerglide engines, the weirdness in 53/54, and 1940s era 235ci big truck engines, it gets bizarre in a hurry. There is conflicting information all over the web. Maybe Gene Schneider or one of the other gurus on VCCA could clear that up. I have read extensively about it and am still confused.

[Ed S.]

Thanks for the information! Looks like any 216 head will work from about 37 to 48ish? And a few after that date minus a powerglide transmission.

[Ed S.]

Hey guys, how about a 1937 head casting number 838355. Will this head work on my block?

[Mark Simmons]

Okay from my experience your motor is a long side plate motor "216" As  Spinneyhill quoted from Hollander '37 thru 48 should be a direct fit. Check the casting #'s to be sure. Early 235's had a long side plate this is the reason to check the casting #'s. After late '49 the 216 had some changes which stayed in place until the motor was no longer produced in late '53 if memory serves. These motors are great and will run smoothly forever almost with minimal of upkeep. Good Luck on your search.