1954 Heads (3836241) - Were They Defective?

[Russ U.]

I am trying to find an original 241 head for my 1954, and am not having any luck. I am seeing a number of original Corvette engines (3835911) without original heads, even on low mile cars. Were the 241 heads defective? Did they crack easily?

Thanks

Russ

[Mike M.]

Re: 1954 Heads (3836241) - Were They Defective?

by the early 50's , chevy heads were near bullet proof. not so with the 1929 thru 1932 chevy 194 ci OHV 6. they were notorious for cracking between the valves. i went thru about 6 heads for our 31 before i found a head that ONLY had 8 cracks that were repairable. one of the heads had over 40 cracks. .with only about 3600 heads made for the 1954 Corvette production run, its easy to appreciate the scarcity of the 241's today. the 911 engine cases, i believe, were common to the chevy pass cars and some trucks wheras the 241 head was corvette specific. mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 1954 Heads (3836241) - Were They Defective?

Russ-----

A usable example of the 3836241 cylinder head is among the most diffiuclt of all Corvette parts to locate. It's one of those parts that you don't want to need.

[Russ U.]

Re: 1954 Heads (3836241) - Were They Defective?

Thanks Joe. That advice comes about two weeks too late.

I purchased a very original one owner 1954 car (42,000 miles) a few weeks ago. In the last few days, I have located all of the original pieces I need to put the car back into original form. Except for the 241 head.

I've called all of the dealers, posted wanted ads on various chat groups, looked thru old Drivelines, etc. No luck. I'm open to ideas at this point.

I'm planning on having this car judged, which will be a first for me. But I sure would like to have the 241 head first. I was worried about buying one and then having it crack on me. Mike's message discounts that. So now I am just worried about finding one.

Russ

[Joseph T.]

Re: 1954 Heads (3836241) - Were They Defective?

Russ..they are there to be found ..but pricy. There is a guy in Austin that sells on Ebay and concentrates on 53-55's under the name jays1953vette.. you might try there.

He might have one or know someone who does.

[mike mccagh]

Re: 1954 Heads (3836241) - Were They Defective?

forgot to warn you that i've seen quite a few 235 heads from trucks that have had the JB Weld treatment to "convert" them to 241 heads. always ask the seller if you can take a pen knife to the last three digits of the head casting #. JB Weld or similar epoxy "numerals" are considerably softer than the cast iron critters. mike

[Russ U.]

Re: 1954 Heads (3836241) - Were They Defective?

Joe & Mike-

Thanks for helping me on this. Looks like I found somebody tonight who has a couple of original 241 heads. He basically invited me to scratch the numbers to my heart's content - he knows they are the real thing.

Now there is that small matter of price....

Russ