1957-9 Dodge 230 Head

[maineSSS]

Here's some pics and info on the 1957-9 Dodge 230 head. It differed from previous models by offering flow AND compression (7.9:1). Casting number is 1676337-1 or 2.

Pic #1 shows the chamber side. Note that the transfer port extends further into the cylinder than earlier heads, and is more rounded at the end.

Pic #2 shows the chamber with the piston overlay (paper disc).

Pic #3 shows the cylinder area of the chamber and the quench area outlined in black marker. The quench area (1/4 moon shape) is about 1/2 the size of previous heads.

Pic #4 shows the Valve area. This area appears to have been tightened up around the pockets, and has two "brow" areas outlined in black marker that are higher than the rest of the floor.

If anyone has chamber pics of earlier heads it would be helpful to post them as a comparison, as my earlier head is still on the truck. There's a pic at http://www.inliners.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat?Number=58598&PHP... "Some Thoughts on Optimizing Quench in the Flatty".

[maineSSS]

Update on URL http://www.inliner.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=58598&PHP... -pic at post #58612, post # at top right in very small print, you may have to Google thread title...

[Tim Keith]

Thanks for posting this information. Anyone got one that they want to get rid of ?

On the Allpar site it says the taxis got the higher compression head: "Sixes in taxis ran an 8.2:1 compression ratio using a special cylinder head (part 1821845 with casting 1821682-the standard head had part 1731545 with casting 1676337). "

http://www.allpar.com/history/plymouth/1946-1959/cars-1957.html

Edited July 18, 2012 by Tim Keith

[Reg Evans]

I wonder......would one of the 57-59 heads work on a 1935 Dodge 218 or would the internal bypass feature on the later head not be compatable ?

[maineSSS]

One of my friends has the '57 head on a 218 truck block- mid 50's by serial #. It was a surprise to see it there- maybe the rotating assembly has been replaced with a 230 crank/rods. It's in a PW also. We're going to be taking the head off sometime to look at a couple of stuck valves, so we'll measure the stroke then. As I recall, the later heads can be made to work on earlier 230 blocks- can't remember if they just block off the bypass with a gasket- will have to look thru my files.

The "Hi-Compression" taxi head # doesn't come up in any of my lists- I doubt Chrysler would make up an entirely new casting just for taxis. I'm thinking this might be a planed version of the '57 head with a new PN- that's the easy way out. If anyone has this head, please post pics!

Edited July 20, 2012 by maineSSS

[greg g]

You don;t need to pull the head to measure the stroke. Over #6 cylinder is a pipe plug, remove the plug, insert a piece of still wire, about 8 inches long and turn the engine over by hand. The wire will ride the piston through it's stroke allowing you to ascertain the stroke.