Are the valve train parts (push rods, rocker arms, and shafts)interchangeable between different heads/engines? I have the opportunity to buy a pair of 289 heads with casting number 537555. These heads are complete but without the rocker arms and shafts. I have a pair of 232 heads with casting number 527772 that do have the valve train with them. Can I use the 232 valve train with the 289 heads?
Here's the situation. About 25 years ago I bought a rusted out 53 Commander hardtop from a guy who had been a mechanic at the local Studebaker dealership. He had bought the car in the mid-fifties. The dealership had a 289 block that was nearly new but had a cylinder scored when a wrist pin came loose. Studebaker had sent a replacement block but didn't want the damaged one back. The mechanic was given the block and he had the bad hole bored and sleeved. He then built up an engine using the 289 block and the crank, rods, heads, etc. from the '53' 232 engine. I don't remember exactly what he told me but he must have had to at least buy a set of 259 pistons.
The engine ran strong and didn't smoke or overheat so I kept it. I am thinking of using this engine in my retirement project which is a 53 hardtop I am building out of the remains of this car and pieces of a couple of others. I'd like to use the 289 heads for better breathing.
Here's the situation. About 25 years ago I bought a rusted out 53 Commander hardtop from a guy who had been a mechanic at the local Studebaker dealership. He had bought the car in the mid-fifties. The dealership had a 289 block that was nearly new but had a cylinder scored when a wrist pin came loose. Studebaker had sent a replacement block but didn't want the damaged one back. The mechanic was given the block and he had the bad hole bored and sleeved. He then built up an engine using the 289 block and the crank, rods, heads, etc. from the '53' 232 engine. I don't remember exactly what he told me but he must have had to at least buy a set of 259 pistons.
The engine ran strong and didn't smoke or overheat so I kept it. I am thinking of using this engine in my retirement project which is a 53 hardtop I am building out of the remains of this car and pieces of a couple of others. I'd like to use the 289 heads for better breathing.
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