1959 Heads ID

[Stewart A.]

Can someone help with an Id on a pair of heads Casting numbers 3755538
dates are C129 C109 can anyone help with these casings I'm lost. Stewy

[William C.]

Re: 1959 Heads ID

how about 3755539? '59 283 heads, 2bbl engines, 8.5 to one compression with flat top pistons. used 58-62 on the 170HP 2bbl 283 engines

[Jack H.]

Re: 1959 Heads ID

A google search returns several hits on the 3755538 cast number cylinder heads with independents listing them as being applicable to 1959 Chevy 283 with 1.72/1.50 valves and used on Corvette solid lifter engines...

But, NCRS records do not acknowlege that casting as being factory original to Corvette engines. NCRS does recognize the 3755550 casting as applicable to late '59 Corvette engines (these heads would have straight across vs. staggered mount valve covers).

My hunch is the '538 casting differs slightly from the recognized '550 casting (combustion chamber geometry or capacity?) and was used in other, non-Corvette, 283 engine applications. Hopefully, someone with better knowledge will chime in and answer the question of exactly where the '538 cast no. cylinder heads were originally used...

[Jack H.]

Re: 1959 Heads ID

Correction! Early heads had staggered valve cover attaching holes while later heads had straight across holes...

Thanks for the tap on the shoulder, Bill!

[Stewart A.]

Re: 1959 Heads ID

Thanks Bill and Jack for your efforts. It seems like these heads are a mystery. Better leave them for the smelter. The could one day be melted down and re used for car panels.

[Bill M.]

Re: 1959 Heads ID

But, NCRS records do not acknowlege that casting as being factory original to Corvette engines. NCRS does recognize the 3755550 casting as applicable to late '59 Corvette engines (these heads would have straight across vs. staggered mount valve covers).

Jack:

Thought I'd add a picture to clarify 3755550 staggered holes. These are the correct heads for an early '59.

Bill