Engine: 289 heads on 232 engine?

[jtjim]

Back in 1962, while swapping my 1953 champion 6 for a 1954 commander 232, I acquired a set of heads from a salvage yard. I recall that I asked for Golden Hawk heads but am not at all sure what they sold me. I put that engine together and ran it for several years, until I was able to buy a new car. From reading some posts on the forum, I have learned that 289 heads won't work on a stock bore 232 engine because the valves are larger. The heads have a number 535976 cast near the center exhaust port. I can't find that number in my parts catalogs. I am just curious as to what heads these are. Any help?

[Bud]

Your heads are from a 55-56 engine. It doesn't matter whether the engine is a 259 or 289. Bud

[Alan]

Those heads will wake up that old 232. I think you read too much into that BS about 259-289 heads not working on a 232.

[PackardV8]

Those heads will wake up that old 232. I think you read too much into that BS about 259-289 heads not working on a 232.

Of course, Alan is correct. Just make a note you also must use the '55-64 intake and exhaust manifolds.

FWIW, the wrecking yard may actually have given you '57 GH heads, because 535976 is the casting number I remember for the low compression engines.

jack vines

[Mike Van Veghten]

Yep...heads, the intake manifold and the exhaust manifolds NEED to go together.
You just need to verify that the pushrods you currently have are the correct length.

And as has been said, it'll feel like a new engine.

Mike

[jtjim]

I haven't used that engine for about 45 years but it ran very well with a 4 barrel carb and dual exhausts. I used to surprise some of those Chevys and Fords. Thanks for the input. I have always wondered why it was said that 289 heads won't work, when I have used them for years. Thanks again.