REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

[Mike M.]

has anyone observed an embossed X on the exhaust manifold face of 539 heads? I've got six 539's cast dated between mid may and late July of 57, and all six heads have the embossed X. btw, the X would be inspectable on the judging field and if all 283 hp heads have this X, it may identify heads on a 283HP judged car that is sporting a pair of pass car heads(which aren't cast #'d 539 ) and I doubt have the embossed X. Mike

[Peter M.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

Mike,
About 45 years ago a friend of mine used a pair of those heads for fill when he got his driveway paved. As far as I know they are still there.
The deed was done before I found out.
Kind regards.

[Mark S.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

A set that I had years ago had the "X" on them. When I sold them, I missed the previous high prices in the market!

[Dan P.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

I have a lot of the 539 heads with and without the X . The earlier heads did not have the X .But every late 539 that I have had them and I believe the 58 770 head had them also.

[David G.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

Mike
Can you post a photo of the X on the heads.
Dave

[Todd H.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

The 539 heads on my original engine '57 FI, which I have every reason to believe are also original (cast in early '57) have no X that I can see.

That picture would help.

[Wayne L.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

I have a 539 head cast C-4-7, and it has no "X". I have seen later 539's with the "X".
1958 770 and 772 heads are cast with "X58" in the area Mike talked about-visible between the exhaust manifold and the head.
I have a 550 cast in April 59 with an "X". This "X" cannot be seen with the valve cover on as it is in between the openings for the pushrods.

[Joseph T.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

Early 539 K and B no X

[Jimmy G.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

I have been told that the first production run of earlier heads had an "X" after that it was supposedly dropped. I found that to appear to be correct on 1958 770 heads

[Mike M.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

Mike
Can you post a photo of the X on the heads.
Dave

I'm mentally challenged when it comes to posting photos, here and elsewhere but I can send a photo to vinny Peters who, in the past, has posted them here for me. mike

[Perry M.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

Early 539 K and B no X

It's hard to tell from the pictures but I don't think those are 539 heads. The casting symbol at the end of the heads appear to be a low horse power version or perhaps 997 heads especially since your motor has a dual 4 barrel manifold on it. A picture of the end of the head or casting number would confirm.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

Here are the photos Mike sent me, painted pair cast in May and rusty pair in early June

[Mike M.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads

Mike
Can you post a photo of the X on the heads.
Dave

Dave: the photos were sent to vinny. i had to unwrap the heads from their tightsy-whitesies prior to photo-ing them. the bev manager.

[Joseph T.]

[Joseph T.]

Re: REAL 57 283 HP FI heads




Ignore the manifold. Heads are just bolted to a spare block. These are early 539 heads. Passenger car maybe!