VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc 1954 235 copper head gasket

What are reasons for using a copper-faced head gasket for a 1954 235?

I assume the copper-faced hd gskt aids heat transfer but is it used for other reasons?

I have 54 passenger car block and a 56-62 replacement head with casting # 3835913, if it makes a difference.

Does my head have the "steam holes" i read about in other posts?

3835913 is the correct casting number for a 1954-1955 235 head. The replacement head (a 1956 number) was 3836848. This casting number was original for 1956-1962 and the 913 head was discontinued for parts replacement in 1956 and the 848 head was sold for replacement for 1953-1955 after that point. The only difference in the casting was in the area where the temperature gauge threads in.
Chevrolet never sold a copper head gasket for a 216 or 235. They used the dark gray asbestoes type made by Detroit Gasket Co.
The copper gasket is an after market part.
The 235 head does not have or reqiure the little"steam holes".....they were used on a 261 heads because the 261 block cylinders did not have coolant between the cylinders.

oh i now see that I misread my other question/answer about my 54 head casting number.

i remember removing a grey head gasket two decades ago. I replaced it with a blue fel pro gasket.

Now, ive removed it and i see a the same blue fel-pro gasket and a fel-pro copper faced gasket that costs more.

Does anyone use the copper gasket and for what reasons?