I am preparing to rebuild my spare 261 to replace the stock one in my Canadian 1962 Pontiac wagon and as per someones advice I began searching for a 235 cylinder head with the 848 casting number to install for higher compression. I found and purchased one and then began stripping down the spare block to get it ready. I discovered that my spare block (3769717) had the 235 head on it already (3836848). I then checked under the hood of my wagon and also found that the motor that I thought was bone stock had the 848 head on it as well. Is it possible that the Canadian Pontiacs had these early heads installed from factory? Or did I end up with 2 motors that had already been modified? I also am wondering how to decode the stamped number on the pad below the distributor, it begins with W9. Thanks in advance..
Steve
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1962 Parisienne 2drht, 350/350. Ridetech full air ride
1962 Laurentian Safari, 261 Cadillac Stroker/700R4. Accuair full air ride
1963 Parisienne 2drht, 383 Stroker/700R4. Factory lightweight drag car project
Based on my knowledge of this engine the 261 will have three sets of two steam holes between cyclinder bores as well as matching holes in the head surface. These steam holes would not be present in a head made specifically for the 235.
Thank you Ray, I have not removed the head yet so I cannot say whether the head has been drilled to match the 261 it is connected to. I shot a question along to Patricks Antique Cars & Trucks in Arazona and they got back to me right away, the "848" head was in many cases used as a replacement and have been found already switched on a number of occasions. Looks like I can now sell the recently purchased "848" head now that I know I have 3.
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1962 Parisienne 2drht, 350/350. Ridetech full air ride
1962 Laurentian Safari, 261 Cadillac Stroker/700R4. Accuair full air ride
1963 Parisienne 2drht, 383 Stroker/700R4. Factory lightweight drag car project
